Lynne McNew Smart

Lynne McNew Smart, 87, of Pine Bluff, died unexpectedly at home Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Born in Pine Bluff October 11, 1925 to the late Roger Williams and Phoebe Clement McNew, she grew up in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1943. She attended Mary Baldwin College, was an active member of Chi Omega, then graduated from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 1947. Lynne married Richard Lee Smart December 26, 1947 in Pine Bluff. She and her husband soon returned to Pine Bluff where they have resided since. Mrs. Smart was very active in her family's life and was a life-long community and church volunteer. The First United Methodist Church member served her church as Study Leader, Church Activities Chairman, Chairman of various committees dealing with dinners, teas, kitchen, communion, and served on the Administrative Board. She was past president of the PTAs at all her children's schools. She was a charter and current member of the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, former Special Events Chairman and Corporate Fund Drive Chairman. A past member of the Arts and Science Center Board she was past Treasurer and President of the Fine Arts Club (Forerunner of Arts Center Guild). She was 1955-56 president of the Junior Auxiliary, a sustaining member of its successor, the Junior League of Pine Bluff, recipient of their Ella Hunn Payne Award in 1995, and a co-founder of the Sunshine School, now the Jenkins Center. She served on the University of Arkansas Alumni Board, Neighbor to Neighbor Board, YWCA Board as Treasurer, and Treasurer of the Young Women's Christian Foundation. She was a member of the Hawthorne Book Club, Junior Sesame Club, and an avid, optimistic community volunteer. Her interests included playing Bridge, cooking, sewing, gardening, time at the lake in Hot Springs, opera, music, and travel. Her survivors include her husband; daughter, Meredith Maxwell of Hot Springs; sons, Felix G. Smart V (Tere) of Altheimer, Richard Lee Smart, Jr. (Laura) of Pine Bluff, Roger McNew Smart of Hot Springs; thirteen grandchildren, Lynne Maxwell, Madelynn Smart Ross, Felix Smart VI, Corinne Smart, Catherine Smart Schuhmacher, Richard Maxwell, Jack Smart, Laura Beth Smart Shaner, Roger Smart Jr., Lee Smart III, Hudson Smart, Scott Smart, Grace Ann Smart; and thirteen great-grandchildren; Jonathan, Garrett, Clayton, Felix, Peyton, Jack, Will, Mary Catherine, Virginia, Grey, Anna Elise, Lila, and Sumner. A sister, Nancy Burroughs, also preceded her in death. Services are Friday, 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Committal follows in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. Memorials are requested to the donor's favorite charity. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.