CAMDEN — Olivia Bradley Smith,

known affectionately to her friends as “Ollie”, died August 5, 2023. She was born in Hagarville, Ark., to Sam and Ruby Bradley on May 23, 1925. After graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1942 at Lamar High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Scarritt College in Nashville, Tenn. and later a Master of Arts degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.

While her last few years were spent at Woodland Heights Assisted Living in Little Rock, she lived most of her life in Camden, Ark. She moved to Camden to accept a job as Christian Education Director at the First United Methodist Church. Later she began teaching her beloved fourth graders in Camden Public Schools, where she spent the bulk of her career. She remained, until her death, a faithful and devoted member of the Camden United Methodist Church.

While her career accomplishments were many and impressive, she told people that her proudest accomplishment was raising her three children, a task that she completed alone after the unexpected death of their father and her husband in 1967.

Olivia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George C. Smith; her sister, Mary Nell Cunningham; her brother, John Bradley; and her son-in-law, Wayne Naihe.

Surviving her are her three children, Gina Naihe of Atlanta, Robert Smith and his wife Nancy, and Rosi Smith of Little Rock. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rachel Smith of Artesia, N.M., and Martin Smith and his wife Cori of Oklahoma City; and two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Elliott Smith of Oklahoma City; along with many extended family members and friends.

A graveside burial will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning, August 10, 2023, at Two Bayou Cemetery in Camden. A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. that day at the First United Methodist Church of Camden, followed by a reception in the church’s Great Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the First United Methodist Church of Camden’s Food Pantry or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Britney Bailey as well as the Woodland Heights caregivers for their loving care. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com