Melissa Ellen Smith was born the daughter of Charles Morton Smith and Opal Marie (Clark) Smith on November 9, 1947, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and departed this life August 30, 2015, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 67 years.
She is survived by one sister, Charlene Smith McGarvey of North Kansas City, Missouri; one brother, Michael A. Smith of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Opal Smith, and one infant son, Michael Heath Corp.
Melissa was a graduate of the Mammoth Spring High School, graduating with the class of 1965.
She began her working career at the local garment factory, later known as Lee’s Curtains, in Thayer, Missouri, where she was employed a total of thirty-three years.
Melissa enjoyed her job as cashier in the retail grocery business, retiring from Harps Grocery after fourteen years of service.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Mammoth Spring and the Spring River Lion’s Club.
Melissa enjoyed her time spent as a volunteer aide for the Kindergarten class at the Mammoth Spring Elementary School.
She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Arkansas Razorbacks fan and was known for her beautiful handmade counted cross-stitch work.
She will be remembered for her outgoing personality, great smile, and warm and giving spirit. She will truly be missed by her family and many friends.
Melissa’s family will receive friends on Thursday, September 3, 2015, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
Burial will be private in the Riverside Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
September 1, 2015 @ 1:53 pm
Lisa, I will always remember the fun we had when we were young and the enjoyment you got from getting to watch my three kids, not nearly enough according to you. They loved getting to go see you and picking you the “beautiful” dandelions. You’d pretend they were flowers of gold! We will miss you more than words can ever express.
September 1, 2015 @ 4:00 pm
I can see so many little clips or scenarios from throughout our lives. I remember teeter-totter we made by putting an old board (careful to put the nail that was sticking through on the bottom side) over an old barrel in my backyard. Everything went great until the board flipped over and the nail went in my lip. Lol! Didn’t even get in trouble that time because we were being “careful”. Then we made a few trips to Jonesboro in the (in believe 1966 or 1968) Mustang. Gosh, those were fun times! Your mom took us to see Tammy Wynette at the Mammoth gym. Oh my what a treat that was for me! I even got to watch you play girls basketball (half court). I was so very proud of you. I can’t remembers ever telling you that. Guess kids don’t/didn’t think about things like that age. I was/am proud of you Lisa.
I remember the hospital security guard thinking we were sisters when Aunt Opal was in the hospital. Other people used to comment occasionally. I used to think they were so wrong then one day I saw a picture with both of us together in it and I saw what they saw. We did resemble each other a lot back then.
I know we’ve been hundreds of miles apart these past six years but I’m so glad we got to stay in touch, just not enough. I will miss you more than I could ever have imagined possible.
Love you much—Deb
September 2, 2015 @ 8:35 am
Melissa and I grew up together and went to school at Mammoth Spring first grade through twelfth grade. Because she was tall and I am short, we were often called “Mutt and Jeff”.
I remember many happy times together. I loved her dry humor and her smile. She went to Silver Dollar City with us several times and on one trip, we turned my dad’s hearing aid off! Slumber parties, riding together around Mammoth, ballgames, basketball state touraments…..We had so much fun and made so many memories there is no way to list them all. I loved her dearly and will miss her so much. I am blessed to call her my friend. Rest in peace my precious friend.
September 2, 2015 @ 4:32 pm
Charlie & I have so many good memories of Melissa. We will remember her great support of the Razorbacks and MS Bears. (It is doubtful anyone had as many Razorback t-shirts as she did.) Melissa was a Lion and was so proud the Spring River Lions Club named an award for her father, Charles M Smith. When she struggled with her health the past couple of years, the Class of ’65 group was with her every step of the way; cheering her on and helping her get to better and brighter days. We are certainly going to miss Melissa and are thankful for her friendship and memories through the years.
September 4, 2015 @ 8:39 am
I am so sadden by the news of Melissa’s death. I had the privilege of being one of her pastors for 3 years at FUMC Mammoth Spring. She and others took me under their wings to encourage and support me. Melissa was so funny, loved to pester me, and to look out for me. We shared many laughs and for a time she called me every Sunday to check up on me after I moved. When I think of Mammoth Spring, Melissa is one of the first people I remember. I remember her playing the piano, Sunday night fellowships after worship, cross stitching, her laugh, and more. My heart is sad, but I rejoice in her heavenly peace and eternal test!