Sammye Louise Ford Smith, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2019. She was born July 8, 1934 to her late parents, Sam and Bernice Ford in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Sammye is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Mr. Melvin King Smith, her devoted sisters Alda Evelyn Quick and Dorothy Walker, her loyal mother-in-law, Ritchie Dean Cooley Vault and her late niece, Mrs. Claryce Cook. She is survived by: her children, Anthony B. Smith, Sr., Little Rock, Ark. and Carmen V. Smith, Riverside, Calif.; grandchildren, Anthony B. Smith, Jr. (Toyia), Chad E. Smith (Terian); and she adored her beautiful, musical great-granddaughter, Chandler Leigh Smith, and her handsome step-great-grandson, Ian S. James. Sammye also leaves to cherish her memory, her closest relatives, Mrs. Claryne Bigsby, Riverside, Ca., Deborah Cooley Wright, Little Rock, Ark., and the entire Bigsby, Cook, Cooley and Smith families.
Finally, Sammye leaves behind her beloved University Park family. Sammye was extremely proud of her 50-year residency in University Park and never ceased being committed to building, growing and preserving its historical legacy in the community. A memorial celebration will be announced at a later date. Services by Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.
Very beautiful, Mrs. Smith will be missed. Blessings to the family
Simply beautiful! The Smith and Rice family have had a solid relationship for many years.
I loved the elegance of Sammie! She was always so admirable.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, especially Carmen and Melvin.
Sending our love,
Laura Rice and family.