Veta Joyce Smith

Veta Joyce (née Smithee) Smith, 93, formerly of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in Tucker, Georgia, on July 11, 2026.  

Veta was born on April 21, 1933 in Oklahoma City, OK to Christine and John Smithee. She graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City and worked until she married Garland Wayne Smith in 1957. Veta, Wayne, and family lived in Lawton, OK and then Oklahoma City before moving to North Little Rock, AR in 1968. She was a devoted member of Levy United Methodist Church serving as a long time Sunday school teacher, communion minister, Pastor-Parish Committee member, and President of the United Methodist Women’s Society. She also initiated the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Veta shared comfort through the meals she made for families after church funerals and for the Wesley Student Centers in Conway, AR. She was a faithful member of the Prayer Group and believed “every good gift comes from God”.

Veta retired after working 30 years as one of the original members of the IRP unit as an employee for the state of Arkansas. During her lunch hour, she volunteered at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She was commended by the Arkansas Children’s Hospital for 25 years of distinguished service comforting babies and mothers in the NICU as well as for making hundreds of crocheted afghans, preemie hats and dresses.

Veta loved gardening. She always had year-round blooms in her house and yard. She was known for her delicious cooking, especially for baking for those who were hungry and for her family. Her family always looked forward to Sunday lunches which included at least 2 desserts. Veta enjoyed music all her life from cutting a rug, encouraging her children to play instruments, and singing. She was meticulous with her hand crafts of sewing, crocheting, embroidering, and quilting. However, her favorite pastime was spending time with her beloved family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Smith, sister LaBerta Davis, and grandson John Hammond.

She is survived by her children Donna Hammond of Oklahoma City, John Smith of NLR, AR (Vicki), Cecilia Democko of Atlanta (Thomas), Brad Smith of Jacksonville, AR (Lisa), and her brother Lawrence Wayne Smithee of Edmond, OK. as well as 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces.

The celebration of Life will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:00 am  at Levy United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, officiated by Reverend Jimmy Mosby.