Lorene Smith

Lorene Rose Smith, 93, was born on December 15, 1931, in McAlester, Oklahoma, and died peacefully on September 27, 2025, at her home in Searcy, Arkansas. The oldest of seven daughters born to Elmer Wilson Rose and Myrtle Treat Rose, Lorene was preceded in death by her siblings Wilma Faye Rose, Stella Rose, Juanita Rose Spoonts, and Geneva Rose Roe. She is survived by two sisters, Zella Rose Criswell of Peculiar, Missouri, and Wanda Rose Keesee of Henryetta, Oklahoma. On May 27, 1955, Lorene married Carroll Ward Smith in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They shared more than 59 years of marriage until his death on March 25, 2015. Together they built a legacy of faith, love, and family. She is survived by their four children: Walter Ray Smith (Kelly), John Scott Smith (Cheri), Charles David Smith (Julie), and Rosemary Ruth Graham (Keith). She was a devoted grandmother to thirteen and a cherished great-grandmother to twenty: Brent Warren Smith (Em), Alia Michelle Smith-Wagner (Vincent), Chad Davis Smith (Suki), Drew Aaron Smith, Jon Scott Smith, Jordan Thomas Smith (Ingrid), Claire Elizabeth Smith, Andrea Michelle Jarvis (Tyler), Kristen Faith Jerezano (Derek), Justin Cade Smith, Ethan Burns McKee (Mamie), Morgan Grace Miller (David), Meagan Hope Brietzke (Terry), and their children. Her family is especially grateful to Lorene’s dedicated caregivers - Brenda Joy, Sheila Coleman, Kim Black, and Becky Hollingshead - and hospice nurses and staff, who became like family in her final years. Lorene enjoyed a long and successful career in real estate, working with four companies over 25 years, co-owning two of them, and being honored as Searcy’s Realtor of the Year in 1997. She was also among the first women to serve as a realtor in Searcy, paving the way for others in the profession. She loved her Lord Jesus Christ, His church, her family, and her many friends and colleagues. Her life was guided by scripture, with favorite verses including Matthew 16:26, Philippians 4:4–7, and 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12. Her faith, strength, and love will be carried on by all who knew her. Arrangements entrusted with Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.

Lorene Smith

December 15, 1931 - September 27, 2025