Patsy Ashcraft Smith

Patsy Ashcraft Smith, 85, of Pine Bluff, was an avid piano player and traveler who loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Patsy Ashcraft was born August 18, 1937 in Woodlawn, daughter of John and Pauline Yarbrough Ashcraft.

She was reared and received her early education in Woodlawn, graduating from Woodlawn High School. While in high school, she proudly played for the county basketball championship. She proudly earned her bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College (now University of Arkansas at Monticello) in three years while also being a member of Phi Sigma Chi sorority.

After teaching elementary school in Kingsland for two years, Mrs. Smith taught in Watson Chapel for 36 years before her retirement. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

She was a member of Bethel #2 Missionary Baptist Church and the Pine Bluff National Bank Crown Club.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Earl Smith; and two sisters, Mary Nell (Gary) Atkinson and Jacqueline (Willie John) Johnston.

Survivors include her son, Joey Smith; daughter, Tamara (Ted) Harden; brother, John Edward (Carolyn) Ashcraft; grandchildren, Ashley (Russell) Johnson, Kattie Smith, Evan Smith and Crystal (John) Adam; two great-grandchildren, Gatlin and Gideon Johnson; sister-inlaw, Sandy (Billy) Rockwell; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank her caregivers, particularly Ronda Hale, Linda Grimmett and Vergerine Welch, for their love and attention given to Mrs. Smith throughout her illness.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023 at Bethel #2 Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Wade Petty officiating. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. at Robinson’s.

Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com