Jessie Lou Smith

Jessie Lou Smith, 87, of Poplar Bluff, formerly of St. Louis, died Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Smith, daughter of the late Alexander "Jack" and Susan Elizabeth (Goins) Smith, was born Aug. 27, 1927 in Beach Grove, Ark. She was a member of Southside Church of Christ in St. Louis, and was a homemaker. During her earlier years, Mrs. Smith worked for Lipic Pen Co. in St. Louis. She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, crocheting, needlepoint and quilting.

On Dec. 1, 1946, she married Harlan Smith in Paragould, Ark. He preceded her in death on Sept. 1, 1986.

Survivors include four children: Robert E. (Mary) Smith of Grove Port, Ohio, Ronnie Lee (Marie) Smith of Palestine, Ill., Jackie (Sherry) Smith of Poplar Bluff and Janie (Leo) O'Hara also of Poplar Bluff; nine grandchildren: Bobby Smith, Danny Smith, Jessica Smith, David Smith, Billy Smith, Jason O'Hara, Brian O'Hara, Chris O'Hara, and Shawn O'Hara; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Alice Songer of Waterloo, Ill.; and a brother, L.R. (Carolyn) Smith of Paragould, Ark.

In addition to her husband and parents, three brothers, G.L. Smith, James Smith and Earl Smith also preceded Mrs. Smith in death.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff, with the funeral service following at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Matt Stewart will officiate. Interment will be at 11:15 a.m. Friday at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery in St. Louis.