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Submitted: 7/12/22 • Approved: 7/14/22 • Last Updated: 6/29/23 • R1439639-G1439639-S3
Blanchie
September 27, 1916 - November 5, 2021
Willie
December 26, 1908 - July 4, 1974
Married: December 28, 1935
Blanchie O’Guinn Smith Houff was born to Steven and Jennie O’Guinn Smith in Mount Holly, Arkansas on September 27 ,1916, (105 years young). She was the sixth child of eight children (Seven proceeded her in death).
She transitioned on November 05, 2021, at her home. She joined New Hope Baptist Church at Mt. Holly, Arkansas at an early age. She grew up in a strictly religious setting for her father was a deacon. In those days, being a deacon was synonymous to an assistant Pastor today. She frequently quoted verses from the Bible that she knew from a child. One of the things she enjoyed was going back to her home church for the 1st Sunday in August. This was the start of the revival. There, she would also unite with her many relatives from other parts of the country. It was a big day with “Dinner on the ground”. Grandma was always prepared with her chair beside the church with a box of good chicken and dressing and desserts. I guess that was the reason Momma was such an excellent cook and always made festive dinners for our family on holidays and special occasions. She was in her 90’s when we insisted that she stop cooking and Terry and the caregivers took over. She joined Mt. Hebron as a young adult (around the age of 22) when she and Daddy moved to Brown Hill Community from Smackover. She said she wanted to be on the front of the neighborhood because her brother George and sister Mariah lived down the street and because she had lived on a 100-acre farm that was far off the main road as a child. She wanted to see what was going on. She often said that she was granted her wish, for she saw plenty and could write a book that would be a best seller. She had a great sense of humor. She knew a lot about life and its problems. Her commonsense things she learned were passed on to her children (for which we are grateful).
She loved the Lord! We were either taken or sent to church every Sunday. If sent, she came later after her chores as a mother were finished. The children polished their shoes, ironed their clothes, etc. on Saturday in preparation for Sunday. None of those things were allowed on Sunday for that was the Lord’s Day.
No fighting, or no fussing was allowed among the children. She taught, with a switch in hand, the art of “Getting along” and “Loving and respecting” each other. If you were ill and couldn’t go to church, then forget attending anything else that day.
She sang alto in the choir. Served as secretary of the choir and mission. She still has her ledgers where she kept records. She delivered many welcome addresses and responses because being an excellent reader and having superb penmanship were two (2) of her gifts. She had a special seat in the right aisle on the second (2nd) row when she discontinued singing in the choir. She was a member of the Ladies Mission and gladly helped when needed and showed much love to her friends, neighbors, family, church members and wherever needed. Blanchie was united in marriage to a handsome Cajun guy named Readen Houff (Changed to Willie Clyde). She was eighteen (18) and wed in December 1934. To this union, six children were born. Twin girls were “still born”. Willie C. Jr., Curtis Lee, Betty and Joan were the children that lived.
Education was something stressed by both parents. Completed her education at the New Hope Baptist Church School where she graduated as Salutatorian of her class. Eudivy Gray was Valedictorian and together they assisted Professor Dykes from Eldorado and Professor Pearson from Junction City, Louisiana, in teaching other students reading, spelling, and basic math skills. An excellent scholar who helped her children and grandchildren with fractions and Roman Numerals up to her 80’s.
A Few of her favorite conversations: Things that went on when she lived at 246 Williams Street in Buffalo, New York. This was in the 40’s and she was about 25. Her father had a syrup mill and made syrup at Dry Creek that ran through his land. The creek dried up during Summer (which explains its name) and ran to Beech Creek by her Aunt Tee’s house which was called Phillips Hill; she enjoyed telling me about life on the farm.
She leaves to rejoice in the celebration of her Homegoing, two (2) daughters: Betty Goodwin (Josh) of Patterson, California; and Joan Hartfield (Ray) of Jackson, Mississippi. A grandson, Terrance Menefield, who was one of her caregivers to the end, of Camden, Arkansas; grandson, Patrick Freeman, who always came, when called to help, of Camden, Arkansas; Lugene (Hazel) and Romereo (Sharon) Hartfield-grandsons and granddaughter Joanna who lived in McKinney, Murphy and Dallas, respectively, who didn’t let Granny want or need anything; Josh (grandson) and Monique (granddaughter) Goodwin who live in Patterson, California and Lori Medley of Douglasville, Georgia who provided beautiful gifts for their ”Granny”. Left to mourn also are special great grandsons: Pete Morgan (Texas), Devonte Smith, (Little Rock) Lugene, Austin and R.J. Hartfield, all of Texas; Keithron and Patrick Freeman , Jr., great granddaughters: Jasmine, Alyssa, and Brianna all of Texas. Special nieces, Anita Million of California, Rita Pryor, of Carolina, Gwen (Faye) Marshall, Tammy Winfrey, both of Camden, Arkansas; Roselyn Barnett and Laverne Carmichael of Texas. She has one brother in Chicago, Illinois, J.D. Smith, who is 96 years old.
Nephews; James Yarbrough of Wisconsin, John (Darnell) Elliott of Mt. Holly, Arkansas, great nephew Duane Elliott (Chandra) of Camden, Arkansas, niece Jeanette Elliott of Mt. Holly, Arkansas and great nephew Sterling Moore (Phyllis) of Conway, Arkansas. She leaves 8 grandchild, 13 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.
In addition, cherishing the memory of her beautiful life are: La Don Lansaster (like a daughter); first friend and neighbor care-givers – Simmer (Crow) Davis and Flossie Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Proceeding her in death were her parents, her husband, twin daughters, (Ruby and Ruthie). Sons-Curtis and Willie, sisters” Alee Moore, Irene (Doll) Elliott, Mariah Yarbrough Hildreth, Lealor Halton, Brothers George Smith and Edward Smith; nephews-Bill Elliott, Ira Elliott, Albert Halton Jr. Henry Elliott, Charlie Moore Jr. George Smith Jr., C. J. Smith, Willie B. Smith; nieces, Rosemary Hawkins; Florence Frazier; Thelester B. Hildreth; great niece, Wanda Burrell. Jenna Smith Wilson, Elnora Hildreth.
Contributed on 7/12/22 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1439639