She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Monticello. Being a homemaker, she was known for babysitting many children over the years, and from that, those families became part of our family. She loved caring for animals and taught her children and the others she helped raise, how to be compassionate and good to people. Helen was selfless and helped anyone anyway she could. Also for many years, she was active in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) at the local airport.
Helen loved music and had a beautiful voice, which many people had never heard. Back in high school at Harmony Grove, her and two of her friends were the entertainment at the school dances with their music teacher at the piano. She played handbells at the Church and made sure all four of her children knew how to read music by taking piano lessons, playing the clarinet in the Drew Central Band, along with singing in school and church youth choirs. She attended Arkansas A&M University (now UAM) where she met the university's electrician Travis, also well known as ''Smitty''. They were married for 50 years until his passing.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by seven half-brothers and sisters; her husband of 50 years, Travis Jackson Smith ''Smitty''; her only son, James Jackson Smith; and her only sibling, Mary Gail Pitts and husband, Wendell Pitts.
She is survived by three daughters, Susan Johnson and husband Mark of Emerson, Tracasa Cooper and husband Donavon of Monticello and Deanna Isacson and husband Jeff of Menomonee Falls, WI; four grandchildren, Steven Cooper, Haley Johnson, Jackson Johnson and Asa Isacson; step grandchildren, Melissa Kimball Schenkel and husband Kendall and William Kimball; along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Smith Cemetery in Banks, AR. There will be a visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. You can sign Mrs. Helen's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(9)
Cindy
, AR Friday, April 28, 2023 Tracy , I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious mother. I recall the many times of giving me some of her chickens for me to get my start in raising chickens. She was such a sweet precious soul and I know where you got it from. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family in the loss of such a precious woman. Heavens choir will sound so beautiful with her in it now .Penny Sturgis
Monticello, AR Monday, April 24, 2023 So very sorry for your loss. Ms. Helen was one of a kind. Thoughts and prayers for family.Judy and Jack Lassiter
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 23, 2023 We remember so fondly the many days we were neighbors with Smitty and Helen in the UAM campus community. Our children played together and Helen was always there to teach a lesson about plants or frogs or patterns in the frost. We send love and prayers to the family. Your parents were loving, kind and generous people. May your loving memories sustain you in the days ahead.Lori Fallon
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 22, 2023 Many prayers for Mrs. Helen’s family. She had the kindest spirit and always had a smile on her face. She truly shared God’s love with everyone.Cheri Simpson
Monticello, AR Friday, April 21, 2023 I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a sweet lady. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayersDavid Langley
Baton Rouge, LA Friday, April 21, 2023 I loved Mrs. Helen and all of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.David and Carla Garner
El Dorado, AR Thursday, April 20, 2023 Susan you and your family are in our prayers. If you need anything please let me know. Your friend David GarnerKay Worbington
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 20, 2023 You all have my sympathy at this sad time!! Helen was a nice lady!! Praying that God will give you peace at your great loss.Kim McKeehan
West Des Moines, IA Thursday, April 20, 2023 We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of love, Kim and Bob McKeehan