BENTON — Mary Lou Spragins Smith

age 90, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021. She was born on August 21, 1930 in Little Rock to Joel and Hallie Vaughan Spragins, she grew up in Little Rock. She graduated from Little Rock High School, earned her BA degree from TSCW, (now Texas Women’s University) and a Masters Degree in School Service Administration, from the University of Chicago. Mary was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Benton, where she served as a ruling elder and choir member. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents and her husband, George William Smith.

She loved beautiful things: Classical music, art, poetry, philosophy, books, and old houses. Mary loved animals, all animals but especially her dog, Andy, and her cat, Hop-along. She believed in “reverence for life.” She loved nature, and going to Ferncliff Camp. She loved helping people, as a Social worker at the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital in Little Rock for 29 years, and also working with geriatric patients and their families at the Counseling Clinic in Benton. Following retirement she was Board President of Saline County Safe Haven, Inc. from 2001 to 2008, and a supporter of several humanitarian organizations, including, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International and Saline County Humane Society.

Mary is survived by two sisters, Nancy Scott and Hallie Simmins both of Little Rock, Nephews, Wade, Joel and David Scott, and two nieces, Hallie Rookey and Helen McMillin, 10 great-nieces and nephews, several cousins and many friends.

Memorial services will be at the First Presbyterian in Benton on Thursday, April 22, at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Smith will be buried beside her husband in a private ceremony at the Little Rock National Veteran’s Cemetery.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.