Naomi Smith

Naomi was born March 27, 1935 in Leachville, Arkansas to Martin “Enoch” and Herbie (Payne) Milligan. She grew up and raised a family in Leachville, later moving to California, Little Rock and Batesville where she worshipped at North Heights Church of Christ. She went to her heavenly home on August 24, 2025. Per her request, a private Celebration of Life was observed by her daughters.

In 1953 Naomi married Troy “Pete” Smith and was raising five daughters by the age of 26. She spent her life using her special gift of caring for others. She raised a garden and canned, pickled and preserved anything that wasn’t eaten at the three homemade meals served daily. She bathed her babies in the kitchen sink until they were big enough to bathe in the galvanized tub on the back porch next to the wringer washer.

Changing seasons found her mowing the yard, chopping or picking cotton, working at the cotton gin, shoe factory or card factory. She also sewed play clothes and sun dresses for the girls. Naomi enjoyed bowling and excelled in women’s archery, becoming the state champion in her division. A wonderful cook, she hosted many family holiday meals featuring her famous jam cakes, chocolate donuts and pecan pies.

Naomi took her daughters to church every time the doors were open believing that as a Christian woman “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it”. (Proverbs 22:6) Before long, the grandbabies started coming and the entire process started over and she loved every minute of it. She was quick to say her children were her life.

Her children “do rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28). There is a Great Day of reunion for all who trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Proceeded in death by the father of her children Pete Smith, three brothers, Walter Noel Milligan, Alton Enoch Milligan, John Edward Milligan and two sisters, Nina Barlow and Martha Opaline Lincoln.

She is survived by her daughters Alexa Smith (Batesville), Myra Eley (Little Rock), Jenita Hughes (Little Rock), Lisa Smith (Batesville) and Sheri Letezia (Corvallis, OR), her sister Mary Alyce Rogers of Searcy, AR, and a host of family and friends.

Naomi’s daughters wish to thank Ashflat Healthcare and Rehabilitation caregivers and staff for their love and kindness shown to our Mother the past 5 years.

Anyone wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to the Children’s Home, 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450.

Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Homes.