Evelyn (Wilkerson) Owens Smith

Evelyn (Wilkerson) Owens Smith passed away June 1, 2024, with her daughter Teresea by her side. Evelyn was born November 1, 1930, the daughter of Lawrence Ray and Chloe (Stricklin) Wilkerson in the Diggins.

She married Frank J. Owens on October 3, 1945. Five children were born into the family.

She married George O. Smith on March 16, 1974. He preceded her in death on December 19, 2013. Evelyn was a member of Valier First Baptist Church.

Evelyn was an amazing, beautiful woman. She self-taught playing the piano and guitar and loved to sing. She loved rainy days, she would bake or sew. She was a great cook, always welcoming family, friends and sometimes, even strangers to her table. Her grandchildren always claimed she was the wisest person they have ever known. Family was most important to her. Her idea of a vacation was to visit her family.

Evelyn is survived by two daughters, Sandra Owens (Garry) Peffer and Teresea Owens, two sons, Gary L. (Dorothy) Owens and Deon Owens. She leaves grandchildren: Aaron Webster, Garry (Alaina) Peffer Jr., Christen (Josh) Fields, Justin Owens, Melissa (Carl) Valanti, Daniel Weldon, Allison (Sam) Fuller and Kristan Weldon Barnard. She leaves 17 great grandchildren. She leaves many nieces and nephews who loved her and 2 step-children, Monica Young & Stanley Smith.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Frank Owens Jr., two grandsons, LeDon Owens & Lam Thi, three brothers, three sisters. She was the last of Diggins Wilkersons.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Thursday, June 6th at the Franklin Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 1:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

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