Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Irene Smith

Irene Royston Hamby Smith, wife of Alfred Smith III, died Tuesday, July 17, 2007.

She was born in Prescott, on July 22, 1916, and was a member of a well known pioneer family of Arkansas. After graduating her high school as salutatorian, she attended Henderson State University, where she received a bachelor of arts degree in education. She held many college honors, including being vice president of her senior class. During WW II she worked for Lion Chemical Ozark Ordinance Works and was author of the History of OOW. After moving to Pampa, Texas, she served as a Gray Lady.

She taught school in Arkansas and later after moving to Louisiana she taught at Istrouma Middle and Southeast Middle school in Baton Rouge . Throughout her life she was active in many organizations, serving as President of the Tally Up Club for Ethyl Corporation's wives, a member of the John James Audubon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 50 years, a member of the Colonial Dames of America in Arkansas, and was a life member of the Women's Club and the Camelot Club. She was a member of the local and state retired teachers' organizations. She was a former member of the Comite Campers and a proud member of the Onagers Club.

Church and family were an important part of her life. She taught Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church and was active in her church circle. She led a Cub Scout den, as well as a Brownie troop. She formed many lifelong friendships that she held very dear.

She is survived by a son, Randolph H. Smith and daughter-in-law, Ruth Tally Smith, of Kingwood, Texas; a daughter, Irene S. Alesce and son-in-law, Leon Alesce of Baton Rouge; and three grandchildren, Randolph H. Smith Jr., Lauren Elizabeth Smith and Allison Irene Alesce.

She was preceded in death by her by husband of fifty six years Alfred Smith III, parents, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Peden Hamby of Prescott; infant sons Alfred Smith IV and Frank G. Smith; and a sister Mary Isabelle Hamby Wathen of Dallas, Texas.

Visitation was at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, in Baton Rouge, La., from 10 a.m. until noon Friday, conducted by Rev. Dr. Dick Gates. The grave side service was at De Ann Cemetery in Prescott at 11a.m. Saturday.