Monette- Valdareen Laveril Smithee, 81, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House.

She was born November 6, 1941 in Swifton to the late Junie and Linnie Dell Perrin. Mrs. Val retired after twenty-eight years with Buffalo Island Central High School as study hall keeper. She enjoyed life's simple beauties and pleasures. She adored birds and flowers and loved working in her yard. She was passionate about education and music. Nothing made her happier that hearing her kids and grandchildren sing and perform. Her sun rose and set around her three grandchildren where you could find her front row and center cheering them on in all stages and endeavors of their lives. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren beyond measure.

She was an active member of the Monette First Baptist Church where she volunteered as a Deacon's wife and in Bible School, Sunday School, choir and the nursery.

She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Frank Smithee; daughter, Stacey Qualls (Jeff) of Monette; son, Wesley Smithee (Valerie) of Harrison; sisters, Geneva Smithee of Monette and Jewellean Fackler of East Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Colby Qualls, Cassidy Qualls and Cadyn Qualls and many nieces, nephews and other family.

She was also preceded in death by a son, Scotty Levi Smithee; siblings, Floyd, Frank, Lloyd, JR, Billy Gene, Juanita and Dale.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p. m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Monette First Baptist Church.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a. m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Monette Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Rusty Bird and Rev. Stan Ballard officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jeff Qualls, Colby Qualls, Robert Chambers, Phillip Duffel, Brady Smithee and Jim Watson.

Honorary pallbearers are the Dorcas Sunday School Class members and her co-workers and staff members of Buffalo Island Central High School.

Lasting memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.