21 AUG 2020, Memorial notes at or near time of transfer. Added gender. 1) Original bio from creator of memorial is below divider.
11 JAN 2021, SAC to add town of birth.~
SCELETA C. SMITH

Seleta Caroline Abernathy was born in Pontotoc County, Miss., Nov. 15, 157
(sic-probably 1857). While yet a child, she, with her relatives, moved to old
Summerville, Calhoun County, Ark., where she grew to womanhood. Later
she moved to Lanark, Bradley County, in which she spent the rest of her life.
On May 8, 1873, she was united in marriage to Andrew Asa Smith, and for
about 54 years they shared the joys, happiness, and sorrows of life together,
he preceding her in death about three years. To this union eighteen children
were born, eleven of whom survive her. She was the proud grandmother of
sixty-three children, and had eighteen great-grandchildren. These were a great
comfort to her in the declining years of her life. She was the mother of
Andrew Van Smith, a lawyer of statewide reputation. Mrs. Smith was always
a good woman, but at the age of eighteen she cast her lot with the people of
God, and united with the M. E. Church, South, at Banks, of which she was
a charter member, and gave to it the very best years of her life in order that
it might accomplish its purpose in serving the community. She was very
consistent in her living, thinking, and attitude toward other people. She was
indeed a genuine Christian woman, never indulging in those things that would
in the least reflect on her Christian integrity or mar her influence. She was one
among many who did not repudiate her Church vows, but held them to be a
sacred, binding obligation. She did "attend upon the ordinances of the Church
and supported its institutions." To say she was a good Christian woman, whose
ideals were well chosen, and whose character was above reproach, is but
rendering justice to whom justice is due, and stating a fact that the world ought
to know. A fact verified in her own life, and in the minds of all who knew her.
She was a good wife, an affectionate and fond mother; literally sacrificing her
life, her all, in order that her children might enjoy themselves, and have the very
best opportunities. No gloom, no doubt, no sadness or despair can settle about
the life or passing of a character like this. Her life, her all being fully committed
into the hands of the omnipotent, loving Heavenly Father, her passage across
the stream of death was made secure, and it only remains for those left behind
to follow her as she followed Christ. She was magnanimous in all that the word
means; kind and affectionate to all She had a tender feeling for the unfortunate.
It was a great blessing to have her present in the services of the Church, and
when she prayed (as she often did) one could not help but feel the presence
and power of the Holy Ghost, and it would seem that angels were hovering near.
Her faith in God was indeed great, and no doubt Jesus could say to her as to
one of old, "Woman, great is thy faith." She loved her Church paper, and for
many years hailed the coming of the Arkansas Methodist with joy. She was a
student of good literature, cultured and refined, and best of all, loved and
studied her Bible. Saturday evening, December 7, 1929, as the watchers waited
patiently, the white soul of one of the greatest saints of earth mounted the golden
stairway of God's eternal love, borne up on pinions of faith and devotion, and
entered the realm of unspeakable joy and glory. While she lived she kept this
hour in view, and all her energies were bent toward the bridging of this chasm,
in order that her passage might be secure. Hers was a glorious sunset. Quiet and
calm was the passing of this good woman. No one thing occurred to undermine
the fact that unseen help was at hand to help, to comfort, and sustain in this hour
of need. All her life she had put her trust in God, and relied on his promises, and
doubtless when the shadows begun to lengthen and the curtains of night were
being drawn about her, the light radiating from the face of her Savior illuminated
the dark passage, making the hour one of gladness. The memory of dear Sister
Smith will always be refreshing, and will be as incense on the altar of love and devotion.

By: C. B. Davis, Pastor

January 30, 1930 page 15 & 16 (Smith Cem. Bradley Co.)
Extracted From The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper