Sarah Jane Smith
Aug 25, 1938 - Apr 21st, 2020- Birth Date: Aug 25, 1938
- Death Date: Apr 21, 2020
- Funeral Date: Unknown
- Location: St. Marks Episcopal Church
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Biography: Sarah Jane Hayes Smith, 81, of Little Rock, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Sarah Jane was born to the late Dr. Harry Hayes, Sr and Violet Jean Wells Hayes.
Sarah Jane was predeceased by her parents; brothers Dr. Harry Hayes, Jr., Richard Hayes, Tommy Hayes, and Bill Hayes; and husband of 44 years, Mose Smith III.
Sarah Jane was born in Little Rock on August 25, 1938, and was a lifelong resident of the city except for college years and a sojourn in Dallas, Texas, to be closer to her grandchildren.
At the impressionable age of 10 she first attended Camp Waldemar in Hunt, Texas. The lessons learned there, during six weeks each summer over five consecutive years, were influences sustained throughout her life and she was always quick to state, to those within the circle, “Aztec, Second-Term.”
After graduating from Little Rock Central High in 1956 she attended Southern Seminary for Women in Buena Vista, Virginia. In the fall of 1957, she enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and there became an enthusiastic member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. While striving for high marks in extracurricular activities she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Class of 1960.
Reluctantly leaving Fayetteville, Sarah Jane returned to Little Rock and taught second grade at both Jefferson and Mitchell elementary schools. Later she was the proprietor of Ruffles, a designer fabric shop.
In her younger years, Sarah Jane loved to dance. She traveled with friends and family and enjoyed many adventures. This made her life always interesting and fun. Sarah Jane avidly played tennis, and was usually glimpsed rushing to the next site of fun. A woman of great pride, Sarah Jane left the house only impeccably dressed, seldom without an exquisite scarf.
Endowed with a fiercely independent spirit she was not much of a joiner but did belong to the Country Club of Little Rock, Second Presbyterian Church, and Scattered Seeds Garden Club. Times spent with friends were among her most joyous moments.
Sarah Jane is survived by her husband Ralph Williams; her daughter Susan Schallhorn, her son Lincoln Mose Smith; her grandchildren Andrew Coke and Madeline Coke; her sister-in-law Mary Hayes; her nephews John Smith and John Hayes; and her nieces Holly Hayes-Bovio and Heather Hayes.
To the very end, Sarah Jane appreciated the kindness of all of the many thoughtful friends that have shown their love and support. The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice and SeniorKare for their loving care and support they provided.
A memorial service to honor Sarah Jane’s life will be held at a future date.
So glad you and Madeline had a good visit.
Talk soon.
Love Matt and Carolyn Harrison
I hope you feel the peace and love you always desired so deeply in your life now. I know Daddy Mose is so happy to have you next to him amd was waiting for you with open arms. The love and joy you all shared for 44 years was such a bright spot for you. I know now that even though you may have felt a different idea of what love was to you and on your terms at times- because it was difficult for you to grasp love that was given in ways that weren’t understood by you, but we all loved you in our own way and with the most open hearts. I have spent many hours this past week thinking of you and know that when Madeline and I came and saw you 5 weeks ago that you felt so much love from us on those few days. I loved you with every bit of unconditional, balanced love in that moment. You were my mother and for your presence in my life I will always hold you in the palm of my hand - May the angels in heaven have their arms wrapped tightly around you and help you to feel protected and peaceful . Love and light Mom.
Mary Bea
I will certainly miss our visits. I learned a lot from you and will never forget you. See you in heaven! Christine