IOLA WATSON SMITH,

96, of Sherwood, transitioned to glory Tuesday, March 30. She was born August 14, 1924, in Cabot, Ark., to Charlie Watson and Victoria Poole Watson. She grew up as a faithful member of The Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Cabot, Ark., where she served in numerous capacities.

Iola married the love of her life, James C. Smith, on May 21, 1951, and to this union, three children were born: Joyce Faye Smith, James Edward Smith, and Don Walter Smith. She is preceded in death by her husband, James; parents, Charlie and Victoria Watson; sisters, Alberta Watson-Smith, Cynthia Watson-Smith, Alice Watson-Stewart, Della Watson- Randolph, and Mary Watson; brothers, Homer Watson, Wilma Watson, Lucien Underwood, Sonny Watson, Charles Watson, Carl B. Watson, and Cleo Underwood.

She enjoyed preparing big Sunday dinners for family and friends, as well as listening to Old time Spiritual and Gospel music. At Clayton Chapel Baptist Church, she served in the Gospel choir and was part of the mission circles. Iola spent over 50 years in the field of Domestic Work.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Joyce Faye, James Edward, and Don (Otistene) Smith, all of North Little Rock, Ark.; two grandchildren: Jamee Michelle Smith, Nashville, Tenn., Randall Smith-Rangelova, Silver Spring, Md.; and one great-grandchild: Daisy Rangelova, Silver Spring, Md.; sister-in law, Gladys Davis, Chicago, Ill.; plus a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Family hour will be held from 6–7 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Clayton Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 215 Manson Rd., Sherwood, Ark., with burial immediately following at Rest Hills Memorial Park; Pastor Pernell Maxwell, Sr. officiating.