Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Nell Brown Smith will be held Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11 AM at Bethesda Baptist Church. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 with burial at Ephesus Cemetery under the direction of Riverwood Family Funeral Services. Elder Hugh Sanders and Bro. Al Weeks officiating.
Clara Nell Brown Smith peacefully went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 86.
Mama Nell as she was known by all, was born February 12, 1934 in Jefferson County where she resided her entire life. Her parents were A. M. (Doc) Brown and Thelma Curtis Brown Stubbs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Mary Bush and Martha Buckels, one brother Doc Brown, Jr., son-in-law Randy Cummins and granddaughter Hope Emfinger.
Nell was well known for her athletic ability and was a star basketball player at Fayette and Union Church High Schools. She was offered a basketball scholarship after graduation but declined it to marry the love of her life and become our sweet Mama. She enjoyed collecting antiques and beautiful glassware. She was an upholsterer because she loved making a ragged piece of furniture become a thing of beauty again. She was a great cook and made the best homemade biscuits. Mama Nell will also be long remembered for making big delicious homemade popcorn balls each Halloween for Trick or Treaters. She loved to laugh and never met a stranger. Mama and Daddy cherished each visit with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mama loved the Lord and shared that love with others. She was a member of Fayette Baptist Church and attended Bethesda Baptist Church for many years as well. Survivors include her beloved husband of 68 years, Rayford Smith, three daughters Sheila (Butch) Emfinger, Lynda (John Wayne) Purser both of Meadville, MS and Kay Cummins (special friend James Neal) of Corsicana, TX. One son, Ray (Julie) Smith of Fayette, MS., brothers Hugh Brown of Brandon, MS and Bobby Stubbs of Raymond, MS. Her grandchildren: Brad Emfinger, Britney McWilliams, Rachel Brocato, Adam Purser, Emy Roider, Jill Ephlin, Shelley Golden, Jennifer West, Josh Smith and 17 Great Grandchildren. A very special brother-in- law, Joe Smith and Sisters in law Christine Warren and Faye Keeton.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to her caregivers: Pat Wells, Sonya Kennedy, Deborah Thomas and Ann Houghton for their loving care during her illness.
Memorials can be made to Ephesus Cemetery, 835 Red Lick Road, Lorman, MS. 39096.
