LITTLE ROCK -- Sandra Smith-Jones, age 49, of Little Rock, Ark. She did not have an opportunity to say goodbye to her family. During the midnight hour of her sudden death on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020.
Sandra was born on Aug. 7, 1971, to Lenetta Harris and Kenneth E. Smith, and Mother, Carolyn Ann Smith.
Sandra was a lifelong resident of Arkansas. She was baptized at an early age and grew up in Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. She graduated from Lakeside High School and was the first black female homecoming court maiden. After graduating from high school, she joined and served in the United States Army.
Our mother was caring, selfless, graceful and amazing. From the time we all were born to the day she had to go home and leave us, she had so much patience and love for us. She just wanted to take care of her family. Through the worst times in her life, she stayed positive. We loved her so much, we told her every day how much and it did not feel like it was enough. We will see her one day, but for now, we will continue to make her proud. We did not think God would call her home so early, but God had plans for her, not our will, but "His" will.
Sandra was the peacemaker of the family. She had the respect of her family, friends and her fellow employees, and her employer. Sandra was her Dad's right-hand "go-to person," they had a very special bond.
Sandra was the chairperson of the Tweedle Town 2021 Reunion. She was so excited and very professional. Sandra was an excellent writer and expressed her thoughts in a beautiful, picturesque language. For the 2019 reunion, Sandra held the position of secretary and she kept excellent notes and provided us with all updates and meeting notes. She motivated the family and was looking forward to us being together.
Sandra is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Otis and Paralee Simril; her maternal uncle, Maurice Simril; her paternal great-grandparents, Caleb and Lucille Samuels; her paternal grandparents, Clevon and Irene Smith; her paternal great-uncle, Eugene Samuels; her paternal uncle and aunt, Howard and Lisa Hughes; and her paternal aunt, Geri Smith.
Sandra leaves behind her husband, Jesse Jones; her mother, Lenetta Harris; her second mother, Carolyn Ann Smith; her dad, Kenneth E. (Olivia) Smith; her aunt, Wilma Lambert; her sons, Devante and Darryl Jr. Turner; her daughter, Breanna Gilmore; her sisters, Juanita Thomas, Christine Johnson and Kendra Smith. Her brothers, Kenneth Jr., James, Michael (Yolanda), Casey (Ethel), Maurice (Denna) Smith. Her stepdaughters, Dominique Moore and Tanjakey Jones; her uncles, Charles Smith, Russell Smith and Joseph (Antoinette) Smith. Her stepgrandchildren, host of other uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and co-workers.
Service will be Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, Visitation 10 a.m., funeral service starting at 11 a.m. at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church.
The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.