Marilyn Smith

It is with heavy hearts and profound admiration that we announce the passing of Marilyn Smith, a cherished soul whose presence graced this earth on April 23, 1944, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Marilyn peacefully departed this life on April 23, 2026, her 82nd birthday, after a courageous battle with illness. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family. Born to John Smith, Marilyn's journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to those she loved and the communities she cherished. She was a beacon of warmth and kindness, touching the lives of everyone she met with her gentle spirit and compassionate nature. Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, John D. Smith, and her dear son, Joshua D. Smith. Despite these profound losses, she remained a pillar of strength and a source of comfort for her family, embodying resilience and grace in the face of adversity. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories through her surviving family members: her devoted daughter, Lashanna Smith, and her loving son, John Smith Jr. Marilyn's siblings, her sister, Mary Williams, and her brother, David Lee, also carry forward her memory, each having shared a lifetime of support and kinship with her. Marilyn was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren, who were the light of her life: granddaughters Rajean Smith, Rashanna Smith, and Alia Jackson, along with her grandson, Josh Jackson. Her role as a grandmother was one she cherished deeply, and she took immense joy in watching them grow and flourish, always encouraging them with her boundless love and wisdom. Marilyn's legacy will be remembered in the hearts of those who knew her. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire us all. Her life was a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the power of love to transcend even the most challenging of times. In accordance with Marilyn's wishes, a private funeral ceremony will be held to honor her life and legacy. While we mourn the loss of Marilyn, we also celebrate the beautiful tapestry of her life — a life that was defined by love, compassion, and an enduring spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Marilyn's memory to a charity of your choice, in support of the causes that were dear to her heart. Marilyn Smith will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. Her spirit lives on in the stories we share, the memories we cherish, and the love that binds us together. Rest in peace, dear Marilyn. You are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.