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Clara Nell Brown Smith

Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Nell Brown Smith will be held Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11 AM at Bethesda Baptist Church. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 with burial at Ephesus Cemetery under the direction of Riverwood Family Funeral Services. Elder Hugh Sanders and Bro. Al Weeks officiating.

Clara Nell Brown Smith peacefully went to be with the Lord on June 23, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 86.

Mama Nell as she was known by all, was born February 12, 1934 in Jefferson County where she resided her entire life. Her parents were A. M. (Doc) Brown and Thelma Curtis Brown Stubbs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Mary Bush and Martha Buckels, one brother Doc Brown, Jr., son-in-law Randy Cummins and granddaughter Hope Emfinger.

Nell was well known for her athletic ability and was a star basketball player at Fayette and Union Church High Schools. She was offered a basketball scholarship after graduation but declined it to marry the love of her life and become our sweet Mama. She enjoyed collecting antiques and beautiful glassware. She was an upholsterer because she loved making a ragged piece of furniture become a thing of beauty again. She was a great cook and made the best homemade biscuits. Mama Nell will also be long remembered for making big delicious homemade popcorn balls each Halloween for Trick or Treaters. She loved to laugh and never met a stranger. Mama and Daddy cherished each visit with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mama loved the Lord and shared that love with others. She was a member of Fayette Baptist Church and attended Bethesda Baptist Church for many years as well. Survivors include her beloved husband of 68 years, Rayford Smith, three daughters Sheila (Butch) Emfinger, Lynda (John Wayne) Purser both of Meadville, MS and Kay Cummins (special friend James Neal) of Corsicana, TX. One son, Ray (Julie) Smith of Fayette, MS., brothers Hugh Brown of Brandon, MS and Bobby Stubbs of Raymond, MS. Her grandchildren: Brad Emfinger, Britney McWilliams, Rachel Brocato, Adam Purser, Emy Roider, Jill Ephlin, Shelley Golden, Jennifer West, Josh Smith and 17 Great Grandchildren. A very special brother-in- law, Joe Smith and Sisters in law Christine Warren and Faye Keeton.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to her caregivers: Pat Wells, Sonya Kennedy, Deborah Thomas and Ann Houghton for their loving care during her illness.

Memorials can be made to Ephesus Cemetery, 835 Red Lick Road, Lorman, MS. 39096.

12 comments

  • Comment Link Shirley Goodson Wednesday, 24 June 2020 22:47 posted by Shirley Goodson

    What a sweet lady. My condolences to the family .

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  • Comment Link Carol Cave Wednesday, 24 June 2020 22:33 posted by Carol Cave

    To the West Family - So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers. Carol Cave

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  • Comment Link Brenda T. Buck Wednesday, 24 June 2020 19:24 posted by Brenda T. Buck

    I would like to express my sincere condolences to the entire family. I met Ms. Nell over 30 years ago and I will forever cherish her kind spirit and laughter.

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  • Comment Link Ron  Gayle Phillips Wednesday, 24 June 2020 19:04 posted by Ron Gayle Phillips

    Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.

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  • Comment Link Nita Jordan Wednesday, 24 June 2020 18:48 posted by Nita Jordan

    Prayers for all of you now and in the days ahead. Love y’all.

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  • Comment Link Pherbia Wednesday, 24 June 2020 18:34 posted by Pherbia

    Love y'all....she was "mama Nell" to bunches...you never had to worry what she thought cause she would sure tell you...which made me love her more....she sure is in a better place now....thinking of you has you go through the coming days and all that has to be done.

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  • Comment Link Edy Lu Ivey Gaston Wednesday, 24 June 2020 18:26 posted by Edy Lu Ivey Gaston

    Prayers for all. Mama Nell was indeed a special lady and my heart hurts at the news of her passing.

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  • Comment Link linda matthews Wednesday, 24 June 2020 17:21 posted by linda matthews

    So sorry Lynda and Shiela. You have lost your best friend. My deepest sympathy. Linda Matthews

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  • Comment Link Betty Mann Wednesday, 24 June 2020 16:32 posted by Betty Mann

    So sorry for your loss. Praying for the family

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  • Comment Link Steve Mack Wednesday, 24 June 2020 15:13 posted by Steve Mack

    So sorry for your loss

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  • Comment Link Larry and Lynn cupit Wednesday, 24 June 2020 14:53 posted by Larry and Lynn cupit

    Prayers for the family and we are so sorry for your loss.

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  • Comment Link Jessie Stephens Locke Wednesday, 24 June 2020 14:19 posted by Jessie Stephens Locke

    Sympathy to all of you and may God Bless you during this time and always.
    Jessie Stephens Locke and John Garrett Stephens.

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