Jamesetta Delorise (Jamie) Smith, 82, of Hot Springs, Ark., transitioned on Monday, March 11, 2024.
She was born Jan. 26, 1942, to James and Ora Howell in Chicago, Ill.
Jamie is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Arlean Sanders, and her in-laws, Yvonne Smith, Barbara Foster, Mary Smith and Helen Givins.
Jamie was a 1960 graduate of Tolleston High School in Gary, Ind. She pursued business administration studies through the Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Program at the University of Chicago from 1961 to 1962. After graduating, she married LeRoy Smith in 1962. Showcasing her commitment to continuous learning. As a bookkeeper and office manager for Jones Electric in Gary, Ind., in 1985. She retired from her nearly 17-year career. Her retirement was prompted by a diagnosis of lupus, a disease she valiantly faced with resilience and determination. In addition to her dedicated work with the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas, Mrs. Smith authored the book "How Strong is Strong" in 1987 and contributed her wealth of knowledge to various professional publications and newspapers. Moved to Hot Springs, Ark., in 1992. Then in 1993, she co-founded the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas Inc. in Hot Springs, Ark., redirecting her focus to the non-profit sector. The organization flourished under her guidance, becoming a beacon of hope and support for lupus patients statewide. Despite her health challenges, Mrs. Smith worked tirelessly to raise awareness and provide education, advocacy and support, with the ultimate goal of finding new and better ways of treatment and, ultimately, a cure for lupus.
Actively involved in civic and non-profit organizations, Mrs. Smith played a pivotal role as a member of the Minority Health Commission Consortium and the Northwest Independent Lupus Foundation. Her contributions extended to the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, where she served as a parishioner, pastor's aide, secretary of the church food committee, church trustee and, since 1996, a dedicated Bible enrichment instructor.
Throughout her illustrious career, Mrs. Smith received numerous honors, including being named Volunteer of the Year by the Arkansas chapter of the Lupus Foundation in 1995 and receiving Growth Awards between 1995 and 2003. Her exceptional service was further recognized with a Legacy Award Pin from the American Association of Retired Persons in 1998 and a National Fleur-De-Lis Award for Outstanding Service in 2001. The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs honored her among the 18 Most Influential Leaders as a Gold Standard Honoree, acknowledging her positive impact on the lives of others throughout the community. She never met a stranger. Mrs. Smith's dedication extended beyond formal recognition; she organized a successful 5k for lupus event and brought in Grady Nichols for a Jazz Fest for many years, attracting hundreds of people to town for the event. Even in her lowest moments, she pushed through adversity to educate and make positive contributions, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and resilience.
Jamesetta Delorise Smith's legacy is one of compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired her. She will be deeply missed, but her impact will resonate for generations to come. In her remembrance, "When you think of me, wear a hat as I did every day."
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 63 years, LeRoy Smith Sr.; and her children, LeRoy Smith, Jr., Darryl (Tammie) Smith; her grandchildren, Kasharri Smith, Dareney Smith, Tamera Smith, Darryl Smith Jr., Darren Smith, Tamiyah Smith, Keyona Smith, Antonio Smith, Tiereney (Kenneth) Wilson, Yekalo Smith, Leroy (James) III (Valencia) Smith, Jennifer Cardwell; her great-grandchildren, Nekko and Narrell Hence, Cortez, Lydazia, Teondre, Charles A Fitzpatrick III, Kenzo, Ashley, Cornelius Nunn Jr., Amiyah Nunn, Aleyah, Christiana, Bailee, Giselle and Leroy IIII; her in-laws, Henry C. (Odell) Smith, Vera (Hank) Pryor and Nancy (Kevin) Farr. A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 497 Crescent Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901, with the visitation one hour before the service.
You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.