Reba Simpson Smith

Reba Jewel Simpson Smith passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on May 9, 1934, just south of Sheridan to Brady Faril and Verna Bell Abney Simpson, she grew up on the family farm, where she worked in the fields picking cotton and created cherished memories playing with her siblings and cousins.

In 1957, Reba married Gilbert M. Smith, and together they raised four daughters. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education and enjoyed a long teaching career, first at Grapevine and later at Sheridan Junior High School, where she retired around 1988. Deeply devoted to her faith, she loved her church, taught Sunday School, and found great joy in singing, especially with her sisters. She also delighted in tending her roses, attending Gaither concerts, and cheering on the Razorback teams.

Reba was preceded in death by her husband Gilbert, her parents, and three brothers, Faril, Herman, and Duel Simpson. She is survived by her daughters Vicki (Bill) Mathews and Lori (Ron) Angel of Benton, Terri (Steve) Weintraub of Mansfield, Texas, and Judi (Dwight) Simpson of Sheridan; grandchildren Ashley Abbott-Sanders, Brian Harper, Britany Harper, Amanda Short, Kristen Self, Brennan Weintraub, Landon Weintraub, Colin Simpson, Cameron Simpson, and Connor Simpson; ten great-grandchildren; and her siblings Eulan (Alice) Simpson of Benton, Leta Veazey of Sheridan, and Ima (Kenneth) Thomason of Wichita Falls, Texas.