Charlotte Gayle (Williams) Smith, 65, of El Dorado, Arkansas, ran joyfully home to the Lord on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Rogers, Arkansas, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her large and loving family.
She was born on October 26, 1960, in El Dorado, Arkansas, the youngest child of Olen “Pete” Williams and Mildred Walker Williams. She spent most of her life in El Dorado before moving to Prairie Grove four years ago to be closer to her grandchildren and to receive medical care.
Charlotte was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who loved deeply and unconditionally. She had a generous heart and could not bear to see anyone in need without offering help. She was known for opening her home not only to family and friends, but also to anyone—human or animal—who needed care, comfort, or belonging.
She found great joy in arts and crafts, a passion she carried from her school days, where art was her favorite subject. It was during those years that her lifelong love story began, as her middle-school sweetheart would visit her classroom window with flowers from his mother’s florist shop. That young man became her devoted husband, Kenneth W. Smith, and together they built a life of love that would have reached 49 years of marriage this coming May.
Charlotte was her children’s loudest cheerleader and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and welcome. Their friends were always treated like family and wanted to gather there. She loved hosting, and holidays in her home were full of joy, beauty, and celebration.
She had a gift for laughter and a quick wit, making wisecracks and bringing joy to those around her all the way to her final days. She loved the Lord and faithfully reflected His light to all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth W. Smith; her son, Jacob A. Smith; her daughter, Sarah “Saoira” E. Smith-Tucker; her grandchildren, Minah Isobel Smith-Tucker, Isaak Penn Tucker, Oonah Charlotte Tucker, John Lucas Tucker, Liam Shem Henry Tucker, Phinn Solomon Tucker, Wynna Ellyset Tucker, and one expected in June; her sister, Olenda Johnson; her lifelong friend, Judy Lynn Sewell; and many extended family members and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Walker Williams; her father, Olen “Pete” Williams; and her brothers, Olen Jr. Williams and Ric Williams.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Young’s Funeral Home, 508 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Arlington Cemetery in El Dorado.
Her life was a gift of love, laughter, and faith, and her legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to .Memorials may be made to UCAPS, P. O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730 or to American Cancer Society, 2222 Cottondale Lane #310, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
