Alice Joy Burton Smith, was born February 2, 1950 on Burney Mountain outside Kingston, Arkansas. She passed away at the age of 70 on August 12, 2020 at her home in Kingston surrounded by her family. Although the trip down from the mountain was not long in distance, her journey was filled with many memories, people, places, and experiences. She lived a full life and her legacy carries on in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved her.
Alice cherished her family. She had three daughters, three sons-in-law, and her most special joys, her three grandchildren. She devoted her life to caring for her family. You could always find Grandy reading stories, going on adventures in the woods, or having Saturday night sleepovers. In addition to her immediate family, Alice enjoyed many fond memories of her siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and others.
Alice graduated from Kingston Schools in 1968 and from the University of Arkansas in 1972. She returned to Kingston as the Home Economics teacher; a position she held for nearly 30 years. She was known for her high-standards, love of the discipline, and commitment to students. As the sponsor for FCCLA (formerly FHA), she engaged students in many leadership opportunities such as STAR events, state and national conventions, Halloween carnival, candy-making and cupids among others. She spent the last 14 years of her career as the Counselor at Kingston, a role which suited her as a mentor and guide. She retired from Kingston Schools in 2016 after 43 years of service.
Another important pillar of her life was her faith. Alice was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Kingston for many years. She loved to sing, serve, and teach others about Jesus. She lived her life as a faithful example of her favorite bible verse, believing its promise, Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Alice was proceeded in death by her parents, Clarence and Rosie; brother, Edward; and sister, Cecilia. She is survived by her three daughters, Melissa, Amy, and Kerri; three sons-in-law, James, Kevin and Luis; three grandchildren, Alivia, Kaston, and Evelyn; one brother, Kenneth and sister-in-law, Emele; one sister, Mary and brother-in-law, David; and many other beloved family members.
Alice was interred at Mount Olive Cemetery near her childhood home on Burney Mountain in a private family ceremony. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made the Teach, Mentor, Guide, Inspire 43 (TMGI43) Scholarship which was established by her family in 2016 to honor her 43 years of teaching. Donations can be made at any Anstaff Bank location.
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