Patsy Smithpeters

Patsy Ann (Wilson) Smithpeters, 83 of Gurdon, met her Lord and Savior face to face Friday,  October 17, 2025. She was born in the small rural community of Richwoods on June 15, 1942 to the late John and Evelyn (Whitworth) Wilson.

Patsy graduated From North Little Rock High School in 1960, and upon prompting from her father, began the next phase of her education the following Monday at Draughon’s Business College in Little Rock.  This is where Patsy honed her meticulous bookkeeping skills that would direct her career path for the following decades.

In 1965, she married a handsome, red haired, guitar man, Jimmy Ray Smithpeters, whom she would continue building her life and family with for the next 60 years.  She then moved to Gurdon where she and Jimmy had their daughter Cindy, who would grow to be her shopping sidekick for the rest of her life.  She kept books for 4 Way Tie & Lumber Company, a partnership of her brother-in-law Robert and dear friend Larry Rhodes, from her home for many years.  In 1987, her career calling led her to the First United Methodist Church in Gurdon as secretary/treasurer where she would spend the next 23 years.  Not only did she work administratively at the church, but she also enjoyed the coffee crew who gathered each morning in her office to discuss the ways of the world, especially her special friend LeElna Davidson, who was the librarian across the street.

In her retirement, Patsy loved taking shopping trips to Branson with her in-laws:  Robert & Shirley, Kenneth & Vada, Harold & Earline, and special uncle and aunt Raymond & Shirley Whitworth.  She had a green thumb with a love of gardening and flowers that she cultivated in retirement as well. Patsy was adept at sewing, knitting, crocheting, and crafting. The role she relished most of all though it seems, was that of PatPat to her blond, blue-eyed grandboy Rocco.  If you talked to her for more than a moment, the conversation would usually turn to how special, smart, and handsome he is.

Over the years, Patsy spent many summers at Bear Creek on Lake Greeson with her brother Johnny, mother, father, and lots of extended family.  Any of the group that spent time there would testify, it was the best time of their lives.  She also spent over 60 years serving her Lord at Gurdon First Assembly of God, where her husband, daughter, and grandson still serve in the music ministry, carrying on her legacy of service to God.

Survivors are her husband, Jimmy Ray, daughter Cindy Loe (Tim) of Prescott, grandson Rocco, brother Johnny Wilson of North Little Rock, and nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.  She is preceded in death by a special great-nephew, Jonathan Wilson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 21, at Gurdon First Assembly of God Church with Bro. Andrew Goodwin and Bro. Rusty Jones officiating. Interment was in Richwoods Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Ryan Cox, Michael Dillard, Justin Garner, Rodney Hurst, Lester Joe McClure, and Mitch Pennington.

Memorials can be made to Richwoods Cemetery, ℅ Nicky Todd, 170 Mt. Zion Road, Arkadelphia, AR  71923.