Zelma Smith

Mother Zelma Dickerson Smith, daughter of the late Milton and Polly Jones Dickerson began her life’s journey on August 25, 1944 in Arkadelphia, AR, the youngest of 13 children.

Zelma accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Pleasant Hill A.M.E. Church in Joan until her health failed. She was a member of the Usher Board, served on the Women’s Missionary Society and helped with the Pastor’s Aid Society. She was a caring and compassionate homemaker who later worked as a Foster Grandparent at Perritt Primary School.

In her 77th season, on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, Zelma completed her life journey and passed in the Lord’s eternal embrace, at Hillcrest Nursing & Rehab in Prescott, AR.

Completing the journey before her were her parents, her husband, George W. Smith, daughter, Alvern Smith, seven sisters, Gay Bertha Lemon, Louise Hunter, Lottie Mae Jones, Emma Jean Knox, Virgie Mae Mitchell, Mary Lambert and Luvenia Perry. Three brothers, Thomas, James and Hercules Dickerson.

She leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of her children: Gary Harris, Pittsburg, CA, Stella Hale (Paul), Frances Jenkins, Nessa Miller, Russell Smith (LaTasha), Arkadelphia, AR, Wanda Amos, Pine Bluff, AR. Sisters, Eloise Blackmon, Hot Springs, AR and Betty King, Los Angeles, CA. Grandchildren, Alexis Jackson, Andrea Miller, Markesha Frierson, Shaneil Adams, Marvin Miller Jr., Jerry Smith, Kiesha Smith, Russell Smith Jr., Justin Miller and Ashanti Bronston. She also leaves 12 great grandchildren and her “special sisters”, Dorothy Luster and Geneva King.

Submitted by the Smith Family

Public visitation will be Friday, January 7, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Arkadelphia Rec Center, Feaster Park with Rev. J. L. Newborn, officiating.

Pallbearers will be Cornelius Branch, Patrick Smith, Charles Blacknall, Jr., Darryl Adams, Armando Everett and Perry McCauley, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be her sons, grandsons, Shunn Harrison, and Willie Jackson.