M. Arlene Smith
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M. Arlene Smith, passed with ALS on Sunday, December 12. She was born as a Friday's child on June 22, 1945 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Preceding her in death were her parents Homer Franklin White and Winnie Mae Freeman White of Palestine, Texas.
Arlene is survived by her loving husband, Larry G. Smith of Austin, TX, and sons Scott M. Johnson and wife, Jackie; Scott E. Smith; Wesley Smith and wife, Victoria; grandchildren Sebastian Johnson, Gatlin Smith, Aspen Smith, Amie Smith Hawksworth, and Jacob Smith. She is also survived by her siblings, whom she dearly loved; Cordell White and wife Kay of Frisco, TX; Wincie White Caskey and husband, Carl of Noonday, TX; Bob White and wife, Lana of Palestine, TX and many special nieces and nephews, and extended family of precious friends.
Arlene grew up in Jackson, MS and Palestine, TX, where she graduated from PHS in 1963. She went to college and graduated from Henderson County Jr. College, Athens, TX, St. Edward's University in Austin, TX, and UT Austin graduate work.
Arlene was a member of Crestview UMC and Violet Crown City Church. In 2014 Arlene became a certified Lay Minister. Arlene was an IBM retiree and avid volunteer for Rachel Cooke Project, CARITAS, LifeWorks, and other mission projects. She was honored to serve as a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist church and support the Austin District UMC Lay Speaker committee. She was a member of United Methodist Women, Laureate Zeta Xi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, IBMA Bluegrass Music, and quilter groups.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2 p.m. at Violet Crown City Church (previously Crestview United Methodist Church) 1300 Morrow Street, Austin, Texas 78757. As an avid lover of Bluegrass music, we will celebrate Arlene with Bluegrass Gospel music prior to and during the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to Violet Crown City Church, or donate / volunteer with an organization that speaks to your heart.
Thanks to all her family, Christian friends, and faithful counterparts who allowed her to play her banjo and drums at Emmaus gatherings, worship services, church praise bands and gigs. She loved to sit and quilt for hours with her Starbucks latte nearby or 'pick and grin' with her brother Bob, and friends. May those thumps and plucking notes be heard and every stitch stay in place in celebrating the glory of God. He does allow bluegrass and Starbucks in heaven!