Mary Lou Smith

Mary Lou Smith, 79, of Bald Knob went to be with the Lord on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Jan. 29, 1946, in Searcy, a daughter of the late Charles Nash Nichols and Lou Ella (Wheeler) Nichols.

Known affectionately as Mary Lou or "Mimi," she was the epitome of what it meant to be a mother and a servant to others. She dedicated her life to helping, nurturing and caring for people and her town. A true patriot of the Bald Knob community, she poured herself into making her little town a better place to live. Mary Lou served on the Bald Knob City Council for several terms and was instrumental in the development and construction of the first baseball park. She was passionate about the children of the area and played a very active part in the Bald Knob Youth Program, pee-wee cheer and served in the Civic Club, the Jaycetts. The Holiday Lane of Lights was another community effort she was deeply involved with. Her work with the organization helped to bring Christmas cheer and togetherness to Bald Knob.

In more recent years, Mary Lou, and other community members, took a stance on the aesthetic betterment of Bald Knob by serving on the Beautification Committee. She was instrumental in the cleaning and clearing of many vacant lots and the disposal of numerous abandoned structures.

Mary Lou worked for several years at General Industries in Bald Knob, served as a court clerk and notary public and was also a real estate agent. She served several terms on the Bald Knob City Council and was the city's first female government official. She made many lifelong connections and friends along the way. She was also a very gifted seamstress and enjoyed sharing her talent by sewing for others.

Her ever-present smile was infectious and an encounter with Mary Lou was sure to begin with her legendary hug and a kiss on the cheek. Her love of people was evident in everything she did.

She was a member of the New Beginnings Community Church in Bald Knob. She enjoyed being outdoors whether fishing or tending to her roses and other plants, and spending every moment she could with her children and grandchildren. In her earlier years, her weekends were spent at the softball field playing and coaching.

She is survived by her children, Sherrie Barrentine and husband, Malcolm, Darren Miller and wife, Becky, and Angela Smith and husband, Mitch; her grandchildren, Brandy Stake and her husband, Steve, Brandon Barrentine and wife, Tiffany, and Anna Davis; great-grandchildren, Bralee and Clara Barrentine and Sylas and Myla Stake; her niece, Sandra Piker and husband, Lavon; and a half brother, Paul Nichols.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kynith Smith; her children's father, Eugene Miller; and a sister, Charlcie Long Tuggle, who she often referred to as her soulmate.

Visitation was held on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Bald Knob. Funeral services were conducted on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dennis Pearrow and Bro. Wesley Roberts officiating. Interment followed in the Steward Addition of Shady Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bald Knob Youth Program for renovations of the Wilcox Brothers Sports Complex. P.O. 1119, Bald Knob, AR 72010