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In Loving Memory
of
Thalia Hughey-Smith
Sunrise
Sunset
Sunset May 2, 1916 Nov. 23,2011
Service to be held:
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
11:00 AM
St. James AME Church
Eulogist
Rev. Andrew Banks
Obituary
Our mother, Mrs. Thalia Hughey Smith, was born May 2, 1916, to Robert "Bob" Hughey and Lula Henderson Hughey in Waldo, Columbia County, Arkansas. She was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday evening, November 23, 2011, at the Ouachita County Hospital, Camden, Arkansas. Her mother preceded her in death and her father re-married Irene Todd, who reared her as a much-loved stepdaughter and who was a major influence on her development.
As a young child, our mother became a member of the St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Stephens, AR. Even prior to affiliation, she knew the great hymns of our Zion from the hymnal of the, African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her spiritual talent and moving, melodious voice warmed and stirred the hearts of pastors, members, and visitors of the St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, the churches of the area and the Stephens community.
She often rode in the back of a horse-drawn wagon to participate in services of praise she took great pride in serving in the church and at various intervals during her years of service, she filled many roles-most notably organizer and long-time president of the choir; steward; secretary of the building fund during the construction of the present edifice; missionary; and long-time class leader.
She was dedicated supporter of the Stephens community; active as a poll worker during elections; an involved worker in the Carver High School Parent Teacher's Association, Bank Boasters Club, adult sewing club; and a tireless participant in various community efforts such as the Mach of Dimes and the Heart Association.
Our mother and our father, George Winston Smith, were united in Holy matrimony on July 14, 1933. To this union was born three daughters. In the winter years of her life, these three daughters became her devoted and loving caretakers and therapy, also examples and role models for others who did or will face the challenge of enabling aging parents to live out their lives in their own homes, surrounded by familiar people, places and things.
Our mother was recognized in our family, church and community as a strong woman who did not shy away from responsibility; one who was willing to acknowledge a need, take action to change things and work to a successful result. She remained throughout her life, a beacon of light to her family and her church. The annual weekend tribute to Mother's Day in her honor expresses the esteem in which she is held. The tribute includes a health/fun walk on Saturday; a candle lighting ceremony during Sunday morning worship service dedicated to mothers who have passed on; a release of balloons after service recognizing all mothers with a finale of a soul stirring rendition of "Amazing Grace" played on the trumpet by professional musician, Morris Graham.
She has received many awards and accolades for her endeavors including the senior citizen of the year award from the Stephens Chambers of Commerce; the Women's Missionary Society of the West Arkansas Conference Twelfth Episcopal District Hall of Fame, 2009; the Stephens Yard of the month for the second time this past spring. Our Mother's life was one of dedication to God, her family, her church, her community and her craft/gardening.
Our mother was predeceased by our father, her parents, her sisters, Mrs. Vivian Hughey Carter, and her brother, Robert Hughey, Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters- Sharon Ware (Joe), Geraldine Smith and Vivian Bradford; five grandchildren- Stacy Cason (Kenneth); Brett Bradford (Tanya); Brian Bradford (Erica); Byron Ware and Heather Ware; two great grandchildren- Kenneth Carson, II and Taylor Carson; one great-great grandchild Kendrell Taylor, Jr.
" For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth."
Psalms 71:5
