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Submitted: 8/29/21 • Approved: 8/30/21 • Last Updated: 9/2/21 • R1387427-G1387426-S3
Jul 27, 1941 - May 30, 2014
OBIT
Sunday July 27, 1941, was a special day in Hazen, Arkansas. On this day the late Mary Jane Austin Fields and Lesley B. Fields brought a little, beautiful baby girl "our mama," into this world and named her "Lena Pearl." Mama was the youngest of five siblings; Zelma Walker, Bettie Mosby, Rosa Mitchell and Ozzie Rogers, whom all preceded her in death. Mama received her education at the Old Historic Black School in Hazen, Arkansas.
She retired from Maybelline after rendering over twenty years of dedicated service.
Mama married our father & the love of her life, "Leon Smith". Six children; Melvin, Charlotte, Sandra, Raven, Stacey & Jo Dell, were added to their union. Mama and Daddy's marriage ended in July 1989, as a result of his death. Years later she met and married Parris Watson, who also precedes her in death. No children were added to this union.
Mama was a Saved; Sanctified & Holy Ghost filled Woman of God. She was also an Amazing, Wonderful, Adorable, Loving, Dependable, Dedicated, Caring, Outstanding & Unselfish wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She loved everyone equally and unconditionally.
Her nieces and nephews were entreated as her own biological children. She was a peacemaker and never spoke an ill or harsh word to, or against anyone. Mama not only cared for others, she was genuinely concerned about "birds," another one of God's creation. She loved to sit and watch the birds. She made sure they were fed and watched as they ate the food she lovingly provided. Not only did she have the qualities listed above, she was also a woman with exceptional talent and gift of singing.
She had a beautiful voice and could sing anything with or without music. As a young woman she sang in the night clubs and opened shows for several famous R & B Artists. Mama accepted the calling of God upon her life over forty years ago. She then began to use her beautiful voice to minister and sing "his" praises. She accommodated all requests to sing; thereby, ministering through music at hundreds of funerals, community events, and church programs. Mama loved the Lord and she was a faithful and dedicated servant of God. For many years, she served as a faithful church and choir member under the leadership of Bishops Donnie L. Lindsey, Sr. and Harvey T. Young, Sr., at Revelation COGIC, Carlisle, Arkansas. She later moved to Jacksonville and joined New Zion Temple Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Joseph Lawrence. At New Zion, she served as Church Mother and President of the Mother's Board. She loved the church and had a special affection for Bishop Joseph & First Lady Lois Lawrence.
Friday morning, May 30, 2014, God walked out to His garden and plucked one of his beautiful roses. He said, "you are tired Lena, come on home to rest." Mama was truly tired. Her mind was made up, her heart & soul was fixed, and Glory be to God, "she is on her way home!" God called a mighty soldier off the battle field to come home to eternal rest. Mama use to sing the song" When You Hear Of My Homegoing, Don't Worry About Me" at funerals a lot. Today, she is singing that song for herself! She made preparations with Jesus a long time ago. We are saddened that our mama is gone but, we are not worried because we believe without a shadow of a doubt that our mama is just another soldier that is on her way home! Those who will be most profoundly deprived of her love, smile, laughter, warmth, pleasing personality, hugs, kisses and her strength include;
Her daughters; Charlotte Gomillion (Eric) of Hazen, AR, Sandra Cherry of Jacksonville, AR, Jo Dell Carson (Michael) of Little Rock, AR; Her Sons; Melvin Smith of Jacksonville, AR, Raven Smith (Laura) and Stacey Smith of San Antonio, TX; Her Sister; Martha Williams Hughes (Dan) of Oklahoma City, OK; Her Grandchildren; Vester (Landa), Elijah (Larissa), Stephanie (Lawrence), Crystal (George), Janelle ( Shawn), Chris, (Cynthia), Jonathan (Sabrina), April (Cordell), Amy, Danyelle, Cherrelle, Chase, Lauren, Lindsay, Michael, Micah, Raven, Zayn, Nakita (Jennifer), Akira (Corey), Malita (Ike), De Andre, Devin, Jacolby, Jessica, Ashley, David, Jamal, Jolena; Numerous Great-grandchildren; Her Mother & Father -in- Law; Lenora & Sylvester Watson; Her Sisters & Brother - in - Laws; Moleta Hampton (Marcus), Tinikie Derico (Corey), Craig Watson and Antonio Watson; Countless lovable & caring Nieces & Nephews; A host of Cousins & a special cousin; Reedie Ray; wonderful friends & two special friends Bea Davis and Joyce Spann.
Contributed on 8/29/21 by eagle12953
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Record #: 1387427