of Little Rock, AR
October 27, 1940 - February 8, 2026
Amata Browning Smith passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. She was born on October 27, 1940, in Morrilton, Arkansas, to Leatha and Tean Browning. Her early years were spent in Mount Vernon, where her family owned and operated a cotton gin. She later moved to DeWitt, Arkansas, where she lived with her sister and family.
While in DeWitt, Amata flourished academically and socially. She was an active member of the high school marching band and proudly served as a majorette. After graduating from DeWitt High School, she continued her education at what was then State Teacher's College in Conway. During her college years, Amata was involved in the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and once again participated in the marching band as a majorette.
Following her college graduation, Amata moved to Kearny, Arizona, where she began her career in education. Her dedication to teaching led her back to Arkansas, where she taught in DeWitt and later earned her master's degree in special education. She eventually relocated to North Little Rock and continued her lifelong commitment to education by teaching college students how to educate individuals with disabilities at Philander Smith College in Little Rock.
While living in North Little Rock, Amata was an active member of the North Little Rock Junior League, where she enjoyed volunteering and participating in philanthropic activities.
In 1977, Amata married Dr. Aubrey ''Charles'' Smith, warmly welcoming a new family into her life. Together with Charles and the children, she cherished time spent at their cabin on Greers Ferry Lake, enjoying skiing, swimming, fishing, and boating. Amata also loved traveling throughout the United States and abroad. She considered herself a respectable bridge player and greatly valued the friendships formed through her bridge group.
In addition to her parents, Amata was preceded in death by her brother, Bentley; her sisters, Betty Goodloe and Gwen Alter; her husband, Charles Smith; and her stepson, Chuck Smith.
She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children: Kelly Gunn Ward (Rick), Justin Gunn (Sheri), Lisa Hum (Pat), and Tandy Miller (Brent). Her grandchildren include Kathryn and Bentley Ward; Braedon, Mason, and Rileigh Gunn; Patrick Hum (Lauren); Ashley Clawson (John Paul); Nick Hum (Heather); Lauren Ballard (Will); Emily and Andrew Miller.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers for their exceptional compassion and dedication over the past several years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 16328, Little Rock, Arkansas 72231.
A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.