March 16, 1940 – August 3, 2025
Shirlene Smith, a devoted Christian, loving mother and grandmother, and faithful pastor’s wife, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on August 3, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on March 20, 1940, Shirlene dedicated her life to her family, her church, and the Kingdom of God.
She was married to the love of her life, Rev. Arthur Smith, for 53 years before his passing. Together, they built a life of ministry and service, leaving a legacy that continues through the lives they touched.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Arthur William Smith; daughters, Cindy Jones and Lisa Hudson; grandchild, Andrew Jones; brothers, Jim Hall (Sally), David Hall (Jan), Bob Hall; sisters, Cora Sue Seymore (Herb) and Mary Lou Edwards.
She is survived by her son, John David Smith (Kim), and her daughter, Rhonda Tilly (Steven), as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; son-in laws; Corbey Jones and Matt Hudson, all of whom she dearly loved and prayed for faithfully. A tireless servant of the Lord, Shirlene poured her heart into the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary (WMA) and the Girls’ Missionary Auxiliary (GMA), where she mentored and invested in the lives of countless young women. Her passion for teaching and guiding girls in their faith left an eternal impact on generations who carry her lessons forward. A gifted educator, Shirlene retired from the Jones County School District after many dedicated years of shaping young minds and touching countless lives as a beloved teacher at Soso Elementary School.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 95 Jasper Highway 533, Laurel, Mississippi. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Hopewell Cemetery. Officiating ministers include Rev. John David Smith, Rev. Corbey Jones, Rev. Matt Hudson, and Rev. Steve Clark. Pallbearers will be Steven Tilly, Carey Jones, Patrick Hinton, Jonathan Hudson, Josiah Smith, and Seth Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Isaiah Hinton, Weston Thompson, and Michael Tilly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to BMA Global to support their mission of bringing the Gospel to the nations at https://app.securegive.com/BMAMissions/main/donate/category or by mail to BMA Global World Missions Fund, P.O. Box 878, Conway, AR 72033.
https://www.colonialchapellaurel.com/obituary/shirlene-smith