Kimberly Leotha Smith

For none of us has life in himself, and none becomes his own master when he dies. For if we have life, we are alive in the Lord, and if we die, we die in the Lord. So, then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s possession. Happy from now on are those who die in the Lord! So it is, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labors. Kimberly Leotha Smith was born on August 18, 1967 to Virginia Faye Nnajiofor. She was affectionately known by friends and family as Kim. She was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School and was a member of St. Paul AME Church. Although she did not have children of her own, she adopted and raised her niece, Simone Buckley with the love and care of a mother. Free time was spent talking and laughing with friends and family. She was known as a caregiver, and always extended a hand to help others. She will be fondly remembered for giving surprise cards to mothers in the community for Mother’s Day or surprise gifts to children as a reward for excelling in school. Her thirst for knowledge led her to become an avid reader and an amazing poet. It was not uncommon to find her curled up reading a book or deep in thought as she drafted a piece of poetry. On Tuesday, May 11, 2010 in her 42nd season of life Kim left this world of time to live forever in eternity. She was welcomed home by her mother Virginia Faye Nnajiofor; her sister Jennifer Lavonne Scott; and her grandmother Leotha Smith. Kim’s giving spirit will be missed by many. She leaves in God’s care her daughter, Simone Buckley of Arkadelphia, AR; her brother Donald Smith of Arkadelphia, AR; her aunt Georgia Mae Graham of Texarkana, TX; three uncles George Lee Smith and Richard Dale Smith (Bobbie) of Arkadelphia, AR and Sampson Smith of Hot Springs, AR; and a host of extended family and friends. A memorial service to commemorate her life will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of St. Paul AME Church where Dr. James H. Giles, Sr. will render words of comfort. The committal service and final resting place will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in the Joan Community.