Marilyn J. Smith, age 63, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at home in Fayetteville, AR. She was born on February 22, 1956 in Shamrock, TX to the late Manna Q and Helen (Simon) Johnson.
She was a 1974 graduate of Gilmer High School, in Gilmer, TX. She married Cornelious Smith on June 19, 1974. To this union 3 children were born. She went on to Kilgore Junior college and graduated with a AB in Secretarial Sciences in 1976. She moved to Fayetteville the following summer and accepted a position with the University of Arkansas where she continued to work for 43 years. During that time she was blessed with another child and continued to thrive and rise until she achieved the position of Assistant to the Dean of Students. She has helped produce 4 decades of educators, health professionals and student leaders. Marilyn was a faithful member of St. James Baptist Church from the old church to the new. She taught Sunday School and served in the Audio/Visual Department.
Preceding her in death is one son, Justin Lynn Smith.
Left to honor Marilyn and remember her love are her husband, Cornelious Smith; daughter, Wendy Moss; son, William Simon Cornelious Smith (Trey); 3 granddaughters, Kiyah Moss, Mariyah Moss and Zaniyah Moss-Rainey, all of Fayetteville; her mother, Helen Johnson of Gilmer, TX; 3 sisters, Lula, Eleanor and Aundria; 2 brothers, Manuel and Michael; and a slew of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Whether at home, work, or church, Marilyn nourished those around her with her kindness and soft strength. Family, friends and others whose lives Marilyn touched are invited to Beard’s Funeral Chapel, 855 S. Happy Hollow Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701, from 5pm-7pm on Thursday, May 2, 2019, to reminisce and support each other.
Funeral services will be held Friday, May 3, 2019 at 11am at St. James Baptist, 764 W. North Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
Interment will be in Gilmer, Texas.
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Marilyn. I met her when I started working at the U of A. She was a lovely, kind person and I know you will miss her very much.
I am extremely sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Marilyn was loved by many of us at the University of Arkansas. She was a very kind person, who so many relied on because of her stable and professional presence. Wishing peace and comfort for Marilyn’s husband, children, grandchildren, mother and siblings.
With my sincere sympathy~
Marilyn was one of the most real persons I’ve ever known. She gave and gave and gave. Love that woman.
I am very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing – to me she was the essence of the Dean of Students Office – she was incredibly generous, talented, strong, and always willing to go the extra mile for anyone in need. It’s hard to call the Dean’s office and not hear Marilyn’s lovely voice on the other end of the phone. She will be missed!
Marilyn touched many of us with her smile and sincere heart of service. May God’s grace and peace comfort those who loved her and knew her.
The entire Faculty and Staff of the College of Education and Health Professions express our most sincere sympathies. Marilyn will be greatly missed, and all of her family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I will long remember and greatly miss Marilyn. She was a person of infinite internal and external beauty, a reflective thinker, a loving Christian, and someone incredibly dedicated to her family and friends. Her legacy through others will long impact future generations of us.
I was so very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She made many wonderful contributions to the College. She will be deeply missed, and our entire College’s faculty and staff send our sympathies to her family.
I am truly sorry to hear about Marilyn’s passing. I always enjoyed being around her; she always had a smile and a kind word. May God bless her and her family.
Marilyn was a great support when I served as president of the Razorback Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Her calm, easy going manner made everything seem to be ‘ok’. She was such a great friend. My prayers are with the family at this time, I know she has left a huge void in your lives. She is free now…free to be with her Lord and Savior.
Marilyn was the kindest, strongest person I have known. She was kind to me and my family when we moved to Fayetteville. Her thoughtfulness was a legend. She was always a gracious coworker. She was will never be forgotten. My sympathies to her family and especially to her children.
I had the honor of knowing and working with Marilyn. She was such a beautiful person.
Marilyn was such a fantastic person. She was kind and had a gentle way of resolving any disagreements (which were few and far between due to her kind nature!). She was a hard worker and you could honestly tell she was a believer in Christ. She cared so much about students and their success and was a faithful worker. I was truly blessed to work with her and get to know her. God bless you and your family and I pray God gives you peace in your time of need.
Sincere condolences to the family, my prayers are with you all!
Marilyn was such an enormous help to me when I started to work in the COEHP in 1999. She was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and so caring with each student she assisted. I could never say enough kind things about this amazing woman and mentor to so many.
I worked with Marilyn for many years in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She was the kindest and smartest person on campus. Thanks for sharing her with us. I will miss her.
Marilyn was such an enormous help to me when I started to work in the COEHP in 1999. She was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and so caring with each student she assisted. I could never say enough kind things about this amazing woman and mentor to so many. Many condolences to her husband, children and her grandchildren.
Marilyn was such an amazing person. Her smile and kind heart will forever be cherished. Sending all my love during this time. Her memory lives on through the amazing work she did in the world and through the many people she shaped through her work in education.
Marilyn was such an inspiration both personally and professionally. In my formative undergraduate years, I had the privilege of working for her in the Dean of Students office where she taught me so much about work, life, the importance of family, and developing as a young adult. She was a blessing to me and all the students who worked for her and I will miss her very much. The Smith family is in my prayers.
Marilyn was a dear friend. She was always happy and singing. Her happiness spread everywhere she went.
She loved her family so much. I know she is with the Lord and at peace. I will miss her very much!!
I was very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I did not know Marilyn well, but I always found her to be cheerful and willing to offer a helping hand. I will miss her.
Marilyn hired me as a work-study student and then full time secretary in Special Education 36 years ago. She was my mentor – she was there for me professionally and personally. She contributed so much to the U of A and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.
Marilyn, since I worked in the College of Ed to even after I left Arkansas, it was always a joy to hear your voice over the phone or see you in person. We have all been blessed to have you in our lives. I have enjoyed seeing your kids and grandkids grow up and be a reflection of your beautifully kind spirit. We will miss you Marilyn!
We are so sorry to hear of Ms Marilyn’s passing. We send our prayers to the family.
Deacon Luther Williams & Heloise Williams
We are so sorry to hear of Ms Marilyn’s passing. We send our prayers to the family.
Deacon Luther Williams & Heloise Williams
I’m so sore for your loss. I loved working with Marilyn in the College of Ed. She was one amazing woman. I always remember how she was aways going to the Razorback baseball home games and listening to the away games on the radio. I used to tease her about going to the opening game no matter what the weather was like. As a friend said today, the world will be a sadder place without her in it. You are all in our prayers.
To Marilyn’s family – She was a kind, devoted and servant spirit that will be truly missed. She made a positive impact on my life and was a joy to work with at the U of A.
Deepest condolences to her family as you celebrate her life and cherish your memories of her.