Jean Smithey

Lois Jean Smithey, 70, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her home with her husband by her side on October 18, 2025. She was born on November 7, 1954, in Delta, Colorado.

Jeanie was a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, and a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and mentor. Jean married the love of her life, Gary Smithey, on July 12, 1975. Together, they built a life grounded in faith in Jesus Christ, family, and generosity. 

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Jean graduated from The University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Reading from the University of Oklahoma.

She dedicated her professional life to teaching children. Jean taught in three states from first grade to middle school. She was known for the time, care, and effort she put into every student—always striving to help her students succeed. Her dedication and love for education made her a true inspiration to many.  Jeanie had a deep love for creativity and craftsmanship. She made and gave away many of her beautiful handmade quilts. Her handiwork reflected her generous heart—always creating with the intent to give. 

Service was central to Jean’s life. She volunteered regularly at The Lighthouse in Arkadelphia and joyfully helped pack Christmas shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse. She even collected thousands of Ty stuffed animals to include in the boxes, ensuring each child received something special. Her giving and helping spirit touched people both near and far.  Jean was a faithful member of Trinity Temple Assembly of God for many years, where she found community, purpose, and strength in her relationship with Christ. She and her husband Gary taught the nursery Sunday School class for many years. She was part of the Energizer’s Group and loved helping organize their activities and dinners.

She was the kind of person who, if you needed something she would give it to you without hesitation, especially her time.  She loved cruising, traveling to Colorado to visit family, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. But above all, Jean’s greatest joy was her family. Alongside her husband Gary, the true center of her world was her two grandchildren, Trent and Sofie. She played a huge role in their lives, always striving to meet their needs and fill their days with joy, love, and wisdom.

Jean is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gary Smithey; her son, Frank Smithey and his wife Katie; and her beloved grandchildren, Trent and Sofie Smithey all of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She is also survived by her mother, Bertina Lovato; her sisters, Rosemary (Carroll) Sluder and Ruth Thompson of Delta, Colorado; her brother, Robert (Angela) Lovato of Grand Junction, Colorado; and her sister-in-law, Sheryl (Nick) Money of Searcy, Arkansas. She was a treasured aunt to Ancelin Perez, Alicia Carrasco, Andrew Lovato, Julie Gomez, Ashley Varner, Ben Thompson, Donnell Hale, Amber Freeman, Charlie Money, Garrett Money, and a proud great-aunt to 25 great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Phil Lovato; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, C.M. and Odean Smithey; and her brother-in-law, Mark Thompson.

Jean will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her deep generosity, her love of teaching and quilting, and most of all, for the way she poured herself into her family. Her life was a true reflection of grace, strength, and selfless love—a legacy that will live on in the many lives she touched.
A memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life will be held at Trinty Temple Assembly of God, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on November 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Special thanks to the staff of Baptist Hospice for their wonderful care of Lois in her final days.