of Conway, AR
February 21, 1938 - December 18, 2024
Neva Lynn Carr Benefield Smith passed away on December 18, 2024 at her home in Conway, AR at the age of 86. She was born in Miller, AR near Heber Springs on February 21, 1938 to Lynn Alvin and Betty Ann Parrott Carr.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Raymond Smith; sister, Patsy Engelberger and brother, Gary Carr of Conway; daughters, Marti Rankin (Jim) of Conway, Beth Jones of Summerfield, FL and Patti Wise (Brandon) of Summerfield, FL; stepdaughter, Suzan Gilbert of Heber Springs and stepsons, David Smith of Conway and Bruce Smith (Michele) of Tahlequah, OK.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Betty Ann Parrott Carr and Lynn Alvin Carr; sister, Vernelle Marguerite King; brother, James Edwin ''Ed'' Aldridge; sisters, Ernestine Mary Lee Mahan, Janie Lou Frances Smith, Betty Jean Russell and Bobbie Gail Burnette and her beloved dachshund, Gretchen.
She also leaves behind many cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Neva graduated from Heber Springs High School in 1954 at the age of 16. She then moved to California where she lived with her sister, Vernelle. She returned to Arkansas in the mid 1960s where she lived most of her life, except for some time in Florida.
Neva was a seamstress and tailor for many years, crafting and altering clothes for local clothing stores as well as friends and family. She retired as a manager for the Commodity Distribution System for the State of Arkansas, ensuring that USDA foods reached schools and other state-funded organizations.
Neva was a woman with a fantastic sense of humor, but would not hesitate to tell you to ''Stuff it!'' when needed. She and Ray enjoyed country swing dancing, impressing many with their skill and energy. Neva collected china teacups and preferred those decorated with roses, her favorite flower. After retiring, she and Ray traveled widely with their friends. Neva loved her dachshunds, Gretchen and Emma.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Brookdale Conway, Hospice Home Care of Conway and Cornerstone Caregiving for the care and kindness shown to Neva. They also express profound gratitude to Neva's granddaughter, Melinda ''Mindy'' Johnson, for her tireless leadership, communication, advocacy and care coordination, ensuring Neva received the best and most compassionate care.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway.
Flowers are accepted, or gifts in her memory may be made to Fuzzy Hearts Animal Rescue in Fairfield Bay, Ark.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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22 Condolence(s)
J.B. AND CINDY BULLARD
Friday, January 3, 2025
BEAUTIFUL LADY AND WONDERFUL COUPLE! WORDS CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW MUCH NEVA WILL BE MISSED. AT LEAST NEVA WON'T HAVE TO SUFFER ANYMORE! THOSE OF US
WHO HAD A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH NEVA & RAY NOW FACE THE CHALLENGE OF
SEEING THAT RAY HAS A WONDERFUL REST OF HIS LIFE.
Joyce and Dale Moody
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Was so sad when Marty told me of her passing. We worked together many years at Commodity Distribution. We did several things together like the time we entered a one mile fun run we came in last behind a lady pushing a baby stroller with a cast on her foot, but we had a lot of laughs. I will miss her very much. To the family I’m a phone call away if I can do anything.
Anna Sayre Parrott
Saturday, December 28, 2024
Love you and will miss you. God took angel home. Keep gate open for us . You will be missed.
Stephanie Parker
Friday, December 27, 2024
Marti I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom… prayers for strength during this difficult time
Shari Little
Friday, December 27, 2024
We are all so very sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Neva well, but enjoyed what communication we did have. She was always so sweet. May she rest in peace with her parents and siblings.
Love
Shari, DJ, Tricia and Taylor
Cindy Watkins
Friday, December 27, 2024
Marti, Jim and Mindy, so very sorry and sending my most sincere sympathy’s.
You guys, Pop, and family are in my prayers now and in the days to come.
Oh but the reunion happening in Heaven right now!
Tami Dick
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Thank you Neva for all you did for us. Our lives were changed by your friendship and love. Rest in Love and Peace.
Pat Carter (Gray)
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Neva, I knew you for a long time, Tami,Jeff and I were your neighbors and we were all a great mix with you and all the kids especially Patti and Tami. I sit here typing this but just can't get you out of my mind. You were a classy lady, wonderful friend, that good be trusted. You gave me a place to live when I didn't have a home. Really would lived there forever. We both loved country music and country dance, it helped up keep our figures. Country music of today is not the country music that you and I loved so much, but I will cherish those songs and think of you.
To: Beth. Marty and Patti you made living next door a pleasure I will always treasure. Pat
Bryon Smith
Monday, December 23, 2024
I feel so fortunate that I travelled to Arkansas this past May to visit everyone. Especially since our family has lost both Aunt Bobbi and now Aunt Neva. My mother, their sister, Janie Smith passed last year. I know all of them are together again.
My condolences go out to Aunt Neva's kids, grandkids, close friends and to her husband. RIP
Pat Carter (Gray)
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Neva was a good friend to me always, we lived next door to each other for a while, she will be missed. She was always helpful, teaching me to sew and just being a best friend. To all of her daughters, I will be thinking of you. Love ya, Pat,
Charlie and Earlanna Alred
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Neva was more than a friend she was family. She had a kind heart and gentle soul. We will miss her so very much and she will always hold a special place in our hearts. May God comfort all who loved her as we did. Prayers for family and friends. As Jesus welcomes each of us to His Kingdom when it is our time, He welcomed Neva ahead of us. With all our Charlie and Earlanna (TW)
Edith Hastings
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Beth and Patti, and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. She had to have been a fantastic lady to have raised two wonderful daughters. You and yours are in my prayers.
Edie
Diana Jordan
Saturday, December 21, 2024
The Jordans will all miss you! Neva was always there for us. You could not ask for a better cousin. We all love her girls, also. She was very talented and shared some with me. Rest is peace she loved pink
Leanne King
Saturday, December 21, 2024
I’m so blessed to have known her and great sense of humor! I know how much she is loved and how much she will be missed. RIP Auntie Neva.
Duane and Willota Andrews
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Duane and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Neva. Duane has so many found members of her. know that are thoughts prayers and love are with all of you girls and her family
Stewart Mccutcheon and Pam
Saturday, December 21, 2024
sorry to hear of Neva passing she and Ray were close friends and camping friends she will be very missed Rest in pease Neva prayers to ray and family.
Daniel & Christa Starkey
Saturday, December 21, 2024
So sorry to hear about this. Love to your family at this time.
Vida Parrott Daley
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Such a wonderful person who helped me with my sewing and made chicken legs for my son Jamie. Love you Neva
Sandra Southern
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Neva was always one of the highlights of visiting the relatives in Arkansas. She always had a smile and was ready to laugh about something. Definitely going to miss her!!
james mullenax
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Marti, sorry about your mom. may the peace of the Lord be with the family.
JAMES MULLENAX
Ryan Oswalt
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Sending blessings and love
Missy White
Saturday, December 21, 2024
I will miss my Aunt Neva dearly.. I will always admire her creative talents especially the beautiful detailed doll houses she made... Prays and hugs, Missy White