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, Ark., at the age of 86. She was born in Miller, Ark., 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, Fla., and Patti Wise (Brandon) of Summerfield, Fla.; stepdaughter Suzan Gilbert of Heber Springs; and stepsons David Smith of Conway and Bruce Smith (Michele) of Tahlequah, Okla.
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.

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