Obituaries

Doug Rickels

Brother Doug Rickels, 77, of Magnet Cove passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Little Rock. He was born November 2, 1945, in Hamilton, OH the son of the late Raymond Earl and Mable Ann Noe Rickels. Doug graduated from Rockcastle County High School in Kentucky. During his youth, he was a member of the Royal Ambassadors. He served in the United States Navy. Doug was the current pastor at Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and loved to preach and teach the Bible. Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Lynn Rickels; second wife, Jeanette Rickels; brother, Raymond Rickels, Jr. and sister, Glenna Smith.

Survivors, wife, Pat Rickels of Magnet Cove; daughter, Becky Rickels ( Ronny Salmen) of Magnet Cove; son, Billy Rickels ( Renata) of Bonne Terre, MO; step- sons, John Carter ( Amy) of Jones Mill and James Carter of Grady; brothers, Gene Rickels ( Pam) of Tennessee, Roger Rickels ( Brenda) of Florida and Jimmy Rickels of Kentucky; sisters, Ann Wittaker of Kentucky, Jane Robinson ( Bill) of Kentucky and Midge Smith of Kentucky; grandchildren, Jacob Stevens ( fiancé, Summer), Morgan Smith ( Shaun) Misa Rickels, Brison Rickels, Lexie Carter, Abby Carter and Zoey Carter; great grandchildren, Rylee, Tristan, Brantley, Tyson, Kaleb, Kinzie and Kyler and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be no formal visitation. However, you may come by Regency

Funeral Home to sign the book on Friday, May 5 from 5: 00- 7: 00pm

Services will be held Saturday, May 6 at

10: 00am at Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Mark Neese officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Joe Bennett, Mike Fite, Wayne Welchman, Ronny Salmen, Jacob Stevens and Shaun Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Bennett, Glen Coston, Wayne Smith, David Rubly, Darrell Wallace and other members of Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the VA hospital in Little Rock, 6C Unit, 6 E Unit, Rapid Response Team and Dr. Safar.

Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.

Selma Lee Martin Smith

Mother and First Lady,

Mrs. Selma Lee Martin Smith was the daughter of Nathaniel and Agnes Martin. She was one of 12 children born and raised in Willisville, AR. At an early age she married the love of her life, the late Pastor Terry J. Smith of St. Phillips COGIC. Shortly after marrying they moved to Malvern, AR. She received Jesus as Lord and Saviour at a young age and served faithfully with her loving husband at St. Phillips COGIC for over 35 years. She was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman who loved the Lord, her husband, her children, family and the church.

She loved cooking meals for her family until she no longer could cook. She was always very modest about receiving compliments about the meals she prepared even though they were always flavorful and delicious! One of the simple things she loved to do was to go grocery shopping at several different stores because each store had something unique for the meals she was planning. She also loved traveling on vacations, eating out at some of her favorite restaurants, which Cracker Barrel was one of her favorite places to eat. So many fun memories of conversations of laughter and joy on those little leisurely excursions of eating out and shopping.

She had a very special place in her heart for simple things, like receiving Birthday cards from family and friends. She loved receiving them so much that she would read them over and over again. What made her the most joyful was when family would come together especially for the Holidays. She was always happy to have her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other family members and friends come visit. And when they would stand at the door and wave and watch them leave until they were out of sight. Always had a compliment and kind words for anyone who came to visit. We will forever miss her beautiful smile, laughter, and warm embrace. Just a visit, a phone call, a hug, a little embrace gave her the greatest joy.

One grandson stated, Waking up at grandma’s house in the mornings were always memorable. The smell of breakfast filling the air and her in such a joyful loving mood you couldn’t ever go to her house without her giving you something to eat and her motherly love. She was a real First Lady of the church always by Grandpa’s side while he spread the gospel. I loved going to the revival they would have at the church, everyone would be so full of energy and God’s presence, Grandma clapping her hands, singing and praising God. Although she can’t be here with us now in the physical world she is forever, here with us in spirit for the impressions she made on those she touched so deeply with her kindness and loving heart.

Some words from her loving cousin, like a daughter, said, My wonderful memories of Cousin Selma, praying, singing, talking and laughing are engraved in my thoughts. Oftentimes, I observed as she prepared meals. The aroma of her food cooking was aromatic, such a reminder of my predeceased Mom. Cousin Selma is in God’s hands and will always be in my heart. I will cherish our mother and daughter bond, I’m forever grateful.

As First Lady Mrs. Selma Smith exemplified the essence of a First Lady. Her demeanor, character, and presence were noted, and when she walked into a room the first thing one would notice is her beautiful smile; and if you looked close enough you could see the twinkle in her eyes. She was elegant,

graceful, and exuded a quiet and meek confidence. One would know that she had a special relationship and trust in the Lord.

First Lady Smith loved the Lord; loved her husband and children and the church. She sacrificed her time and money in their support of the ministry for more than 35 years. Although she suffered loss, her prayers, and the strength of the Lord sustained her. She was totally committed, she attended church faithfully throughout their tenure as servant leaders.

Oftentimes she would sing a sermonic solo for she was also anointed to sing. She was a virtuous woman. We shall always remember First Lady/ Mother Smith, a very precious and special gift to the body of Christ.

First Lady Selma Smith was preceded in death by her parents, husband, eleven siblings, three sons: ( Minister James Terry Smith), ( John Franklin Smith), ( Donnie Ray Smith); one daughter ( Denise Smith) and one grandson. She will be dearly missed, loved and forever remembered by two daughters: Bernice Giles ( L. D.) of Malvern, Arkansas and Evangelist Bonnie Crain ( Gary) of Springdale, Arkansas; two sons: Evangelist Wallace Smith of Malvern, Arkansas and Dexter Smith ( Latonya) of Little Rock, Arkansas; at least 23 Grandchildren; 22 Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, loving and close cousins, other relatives and friends.

First Lady Smith’s Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11: 00 A. M., on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Deliverance Temple Institute COGIC in Malvern. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 5: 007: 00pm, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern. Her online guestbook is available at www.brandonsmortuary.com.