Betty Lou (McDaniel) Smithson

Betty Lou Smithson (McDaniel) age 72 of Bald Knob, Arkansas passed from her earthly life and entered Heaven’s Gates on February 21st, 2026 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born July 30th,1953 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Levern and Carol Jean (Marsh) McDaniel, she had 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Betty married the love of her life April 11th, 1970, Omage Larry Smithson. Betty gave birth to two sons, Michael Smithson (1972) and Justin Smithson (1977). Larry and Betty began pastoring the Marshall Church of God, Marshall, Arkansas in 1974. Their last church pastored would begin in 1982 at the Bald Knob Church of God for 20 years until 2002. All total, they served congregations for 30 years. They made their permanent residence in Bald Knob. Betty is survived by her husband of 55 years, Larry; two children, Larry Michael (Teresa) of Bald Knob and Justin Paul (Mandy) of Heber Springs. Betty was the proud grand ma of Alicia, Mattea, Stetson, Hannah, Samuel, Ean, Treasure, Grace, La Diamond, La Beautiful, Larry Jr., and Lailah Lou; 9 Great Grandchildren. Betty is survived by 4 sisters and 2 brothers, Judy (Richard) Smithson, Peggy (David) Horton, Brenda (Tommy) Rogers, Mary (John) Johnson, David (Jody) McDaniel, and Ronnie (Deborah) McDaniel. She was a proud aunt to several local and across the country. At a young age, Betty made a commitment of faith to her Savior Jesus Christ. Not long after marriage, she and Larry began pastoral ministry extending nearly 30 years. She obtained her GED, eventually employed by H&R Block Tax Service, a position held for 27 years. She loved long-range traveling with Larry on his motorcycle, spending time with family, surrounded by her grandchildren, church activities, getaways with her siblings. She loved attending church services, engaging in worship, faithful student of the Bible, and dedicated to the outreaches of the church. In life she was spiritually trusting in her Savior; devoted to her husband, Larry; in sickness committed to prayer; her eternal goal to inherit Heaven, hearing her Heavenly Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Betty was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Keith a sister, Sandy. Visitation and Service will be at the Bald Knob Church of God in Bald Knob, Arkansas on February 24, 2026. Visitation will start at 4:30p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. In Lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Betty Lou (McDaniel) Smithson

July 30, 1953 - February 21, 2026