It is with a deep sense of appreciation for a life well lived, that the family of Janis Crowley Smith announces her peaceful passing on October 8, 2022, at the age of 86 years. Janis will be deeply missed by her daughter, Melinda Fowler (Bob); granddaughters, Lindsey Catlett (Jacob) and Abigail Fowler; and great-grandchildren, Rodney and Catherine; and her brother, Bob Crowley. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, Charles Smith; son, Blain Smith; sisters, Belva Goza and Carol Thompson; and her parents Carabell and Robby Crowley.

Throughout her life, Janis loved and invested in her home of Arkadelphia and her alma-mater, Ouachita Baptist University. She participated in the Philharmonic Club and was a steadfast member of First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia from cradle row and for the rest of her life. Janis enjoyed time with her family, meals shared with friends, music, tennis, long walks and crossword puzzles. She was an avid Scrabble player and was still successfully guessing the answers to Wheel of Fortune clues until just before her passing. 

In addition to her own personal interests, Janis spent her life shepherding her family and managing the many administrative responsibilities of her and her husband’s family-owned business, Arkadelphia Monument Works. 

A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, in the New Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Janis’s honor to First Baptist Church or Ouachita Baptist University. 

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the ladies of “The Friendship Class” at First Baptist Church for their many years of friendship to Janis and their compassionate words of encouragement in her final days. 

She was so blessed by her Church Family and the Doctors and Nurses of the Baptist Medical System of Arkadelphia. They each did their part to make this a better transition to her final and beautiful home. They also took time and cared for the family. Thank you for the kind words and caring.