of North Little Rock, AR
June 7, 1926 - December 29, 2018
Jo Lavern Chitwood Smith, 92, of North Little Rock died Saturday, December 29, 2018 in Little Rock. Born June 7, 1926 in Little Rock to the late Johnie and Marion Chitwood, she spent her early years in Little Rock, Hot Springs, and Buckville, a small rural community located on land now deep beneath Lake Ouachita. Jo graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1944.
Jo loved music and became quite a singer and pianist. When she met Fred Wesley Smith in 1943, she fell in love with his beautiful singing voice and married him on Christmas Eve, 1944. A pianist friend played for the wedding service and later confessed she searched and searched for an up tempo tune to play for the recessional. Although apparently the pianist didn't know the words to the tune she chose, the congregation did and laughter ensued as the couple marched from the church to the strains of ''The Fight is On.'' That remains a favorite family story. But lovely duets filled the Smith home for many years, and two sons completed the family: Fred Vernon and Ronald Joe.
As a member of Baring Cross Baptist Church, Jo enjoyed playing the piano (by shaped notes only!), singing, and teaching children's Sunday School classes. Felt boards made by fellow KARK employees brought those lessons to life. She also loved to read and was an accomplished seamstress.
Following her employment at KARK television station, Jo worked many years at Little Rock Water Works and retired at the age of seventy-five, saying the constant activity helped ease her arthritis pain.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sons.
Survivors include two granddaughters: Amanda Lingo (Greg) of Lonoke and Andrea Harrod of North Little Rock; three great-grandsons: Keith, Grant, and Gunter Lingo; three sisters: Ida Lewis, Sue Chambers, and Janelle Curry, all of North Little Rock; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2019 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Sunshine, Arkansas.
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6 Condolence(s)
Patsy Wasson McCain
Friday, January 11, 2019
Jo taught many of the children’s classes I was in at Baring Cross Baptist Church when I was growing up. I remember her with love and respect.
Loretta Williams Bullock
Friday, January 4, 2019
Jo and Fred and family were friends to my family for many years. As an adult, I had the opportunity to spend individual time with Jo. She was a mentor and special friend. She was such a strong soul, having survived the loss of her husband and oldest son early in life and most recently her son Ronnie. I pray that the family takes great comfort knowing that she is now reunited with her loved ones in Heaven and is in the presence of Jesus Christ. She is Home!
Brenda HernandezJi
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Jo I really enjoyed working with you at CAW...
Patsy Beatty
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Family is in my prayers. Know you all will miss her. Jo Lavern was a lovey lady and I know a great sister to you all.
SHARON WHITE
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
I love this lady. she was a Christian above all and we love her at the water company. She gave me many memories with the thousands of pictures she took of us. Rest is peace my friend until we meet again. praying for the family.
Julia Harvey
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Sweet spunky lady - My Auntie Jo! I love you. Julia Ann