Arlene Josephine Smith

1945 -2022

Arlene was born on September 14,1945 in Chicago, Illinois to her parents Clyde and Laverne Yates.  She married the love of her life, Billy R. Smith, and together they shared fifty-seven years of true love.  Arlene worked as a child nutritionist at the school so she could be close to her children, but quickly became known as "mom" to all the children.  She had a strong faith attending the Nazarene Church in California where she served as a Sunday School teacher. Arlene loved sewing and crocheting blanket and clothes. She and her husband, Billy enjoyed traveling and taking drives through the small towns of Texas.  Arlene, or better known as "Granny" to her neighbors, fed anyone that knocked on the door, and always had chocolate for the children.  Above all, she adored her family.  Arlene cherished having everyone together on the weekends so she could cook and care for them.  She had family photo albums that she considered her masterpieces and would spend hours admiring and showing them to guests.  Arlene never failed to take care of those around her and was so loved by all who were lucky enough to know her.  Arlene returned to her Lord and Savior on January 17, 2022 to be reunited with those loved ones that passed before her.

She was preceded in passing by her parents, Clyde and Laverne Yates; brothers, Robert Yates and Clyde Yates Jr.; great granddaughter, Ava Villegas; great granddaughter, Alianna Blackburn; and great grandson, Jeffery Lynn Gibson III.

Arlene will be deeply and lovingly missed by her husband of 57 years, Billy R. Smith; sisters, Alma Blow and Teri Knouse; brother, Frank Allen; children, Patricia Gibson and husband, Jeffery, Roberta Whitted and husband, Bob, Billy Smith Jr., Jolene Ireland and husband, John, Carl Smith and wife, Delinda, and Michael Smith and wife, Angela; 18 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.