Sarah Ellen Smith, age 79, of Cowell, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 31, 2026. A graveside service will be held at Cowell Cemetery on Thursday, August 6th at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Coffman Funeral Home for the Sarah Ellen Smith Scholarship to be awarded to future Deer High School graduates.

Sarah Ellen was born on September 10th, 1946, to Simon A. and Bessie (Pelham) Basinger. She dedicated her life to the people she loved and the things that mattered most to her. She spent many years teaching and tutoring at Deer School, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Ellen.” She truly loved her students, and they were more than children she taught—they became a special part of her life. She cared for them, encouraged them, and wanted the very best for each one. Teaching was a calling she took great pride in, and the impact she made will live on through the many lives she touched.

At home, Sarah Ellen was the heart of her family. She was a devoted wife to Lunie Clay Smith, a loving mother, and, later in life, nothing brought her more joy than being Mamaw. Her grandchildren were among the greatest blessings of her life, and she treasured every moment she spent with them.

Some of their most cherished memories were made on the family farm with Mamaw and Papaw, where summers were filled with laughter, adventures, hard work, and unconditional love. To her grandchildren, the farm was more than a place—it was home because Mamaw was there. They will forever carry those memories and the love she poured into each of them.

Sarah Ellen found happiness in the simple things in life. She loved gardening and planting flowers and took great pride in watching them grow and bloom. She spent countless hours canning, quilting, and sewing, creating beautiful things with her own hands and making treasured memories along the way.

Her love for cooking was something she learned from her mother, who passed down not only recipes but also the tradition of showing love through food. Sarah Ellen carried that part of her mother with her throughout her life.

Some of the family’s most treasured memories were made gathered around her table. She loved preparing large Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and there was always something special about coming home to her cooking. Her family will always remember the big breakfasts she made. There was nothing quite like sitting down to a breakfast made by Mamaw and knowing you were home.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was a central part of her life. She loved the Lord and found strength, comfort, and hope in her faith. She trusted in Jesus through every season of life and believed in His promise of eternal life. Her family finds peace in knowing that she is now home with the Savior she loved.

Sarah Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lunie Clay Smith, parents Simon and Bessie Basinger, sisters Ota Marie Peoples and Ruby Roberts and brother Billy Basinger.

She is survived by her children, Leisa Milam and her husband, Todd; Nathan Smith; and Shawn Smith and his wife, Desiree; sisters Regena (Joe) Hefley, Janice Neighbors, brothers Jimmy Basinger, Bobby Basinger. Her beloved grandchildren, Chase Smith and his wife, Amber; Brooke Hill and her husband, Damien; Ethan Smith; Beau Smith; Tristen Smith; Kendall Smith; Kaitlynd Smith; Myleigh Smith; Kasen Smith; Marissa Knudsen and husband Kyle, Kaleb Richardson and wife Madison and her cherished great-grandchildren, Camden, Cooper, Everly, Remmi, Harper, Grayson, Blakely, Emmett, Nora, Maren, Hallie, Alyvia, and Riverlynn.

The kitchen may be a little quieter. The garden may feel a little different. Holidays will never be quite the same. Yet the smell of biscuits and gravy, the sight of her flowers blooming, her deep love for her family, and the traditions she created will forever remind them of her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:23