Ora M. Smith

Mother Ora M. Rivers Smith

June 24, 1935-April 11, 2025

Mother Ora M. Smith, a cherished member of our community, entered eternal rest on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born on June 24, 1935, in Clarksdale, Arkansas to the union of Charlie and Mary Rivers. She accepted Christ at a tender age.

She moved to Arkadelphia while her husband, Loys Smith, pursued a career in construction. The town of Arkadelphia quickly captured their hearts, becoming their cherished home. Throughout her life, Mother Ora M. Smith demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her family and faith.

Mother Ora M. Smith was a faithful member of Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She united under the leadership of Dr. W. T. Keaton and served as an usher, choir member, and youth sponsor, she embodied the spirit of love and guidance, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Mother Ora M. Smith spent several years working for the Clark Family, and upon her retirement, she embraced her role as a homemaker with grace and joy. She treasured her time with family, especially her daughter, Shelia Hunter, whom she adored. In her leisure moments, you could often find Ora Mae glued to the tv watching her favorite television series, "Law and Order," or stimulating her mind with reading her bible, working crossword puzzles and a good novel.

Her memories will live in the hearts of her children, Eloise Ousley of Chicago, IL, Gwendolyn Mingo of Chicago, IL, Patricia (Larry ) Simmons of Orlando, FL, Gretchen (Rodney) Davis of Mesquite, TX, Loys (Teresa) Smith of Arkadelphia, AR, Shelia (Chris) Hunter of Arkadelphia and Duane “Ditto” Taylor of Arkadelphia, AR; 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves her sister, Cora Watson and a sister-in-law, Brenda Rivers, both of Chicago, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Loys Smith who passed on December 10, 2001, siblings, Cassie Peoples, Earnestine Johnson, Charlie Rivers, Jr. and Alfred Rivers.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 25, 2025, from noon until 7:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home, followed by an evening with the family at 6:00 p.m. Services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., eulogist. The interment will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

At this time of sorrow, we celebrate the life of Mother Ora M. Smith—an extraordinary woman whose love, faith, and kindness will remain with us forever. Her legacy of compassion will continue to inspire those who knew her, and we are thankful for the time we shared with her.