Ora Pearl Smith, 63-years-old, departed her Earthly home and was carried by angels to the feet of Jesus, on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tn. After her valiant fight with a brain aneurysm and stroke in 2008, Pearl's battle resumed in March 2018 with subsequent brain bleeds. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through those 10 years with grace and dignity. Pearl was born on February 10, 1955 in Manchester, Kentucky, to Samuel and Carnella "Nellie" Hollin. One of six children, she is preceded in death by her parents as well as one brother, Allen Hollin. Her remaining siblings and their spouses are as follows: John (Marlene) Hollin, Walter (Sheila) Hollin, James Douglas (Kimberly) Hollin, and Cassie (Virgil) Jeffries. After graduating from Clay County High School, Pearl attended the University of Kentucky were she received her Bachelor's degree as well as Rank I allowing her to complete her life's dream of working as a special education teacher. More specifically, Pearl enjoyed helping children with learning and behavior disorders meet their full potential so that they could go on to graduate and be successful in whatever career path they chose. She showed each of her students love and compassion each day. Pearl worked for 27 years in the Jackson county as well as Bell county public school systems. She touched many lives and would often have students come up to her years later thanking her for loving them and for leaving such an impact on their life. Married for almost 42 years to her husband Frank, Pearl raised their two daughters Ashley and Adrian with a love that was fierce and as close to perfect as possible. She carried this on to shower her grandchildren with unwavering love. She was a wonderful Nana that adored her grandchildren. A woman of faith and heart, Pearl strived to shape her children's future by leading with her tireless Christian example, showing that Jesus was the only way to heaven. With a real zest for life, Pearl loved to read, pray, travel-especially with her Grandchildren, chat with friends and family, and spend time with her church family. Known for her ease in frequent conversation, Pearl never met a stranger. She possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor that would leave even the driest soul laughing when she walked away. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and charismatic demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. Her surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include: Her daughters: Ashley (Darrell) Saylor of Pineville, and Adrian Smith of Pineville. Grandmother to 4: Parker Veach, Aiden Saylor, Braylon Cloud, and Addilee Pearl Immediate family: Brothers, John (Marlene) Hollin of London, Ky; Walter (Sheila) Hollin of Lexington, Ky; James (Kimberly) Hollin of Bryan, Ohio; and a special sister, Cassie (Virgil) Jeffries of Cincinnati, Ohio. Other family members: A host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews with a very special niece Jackie Lefevers. Visitation information for friends and family of Pearl Smith is as follows: There will be a Memorial Service lead by Pastor Jeremy Sanders and Reverend Jack Smith at Mill Creek Baptist Church, located at 4776 Hwy 221 Pineville, Ky. 40977, on Wednesday, March 28th from 5 until 6pm. Visitation will begin at 3 pm for family and 4 pm for friends. Burial and graveside memorial will take place immediately after the service at Green Hills Gardens, Middlesboro, Ky. Pallbearers include: Darrell Saylor, Josh Smith, Jeremy Sanders, Jonathan Defevers, Josh Defevers, and John Simpson. Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to be serving the family of Ora Pearl Smith. Light a candle of remembrance and sign the guestbook at www.arnettsteele.com. Cemetery Details Green Hills Memorial Gardens Middlesboro, KY 40965 Visitation
MAR 28. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT)
Mill Creek Baptist Church
Highway 221
Stoney Fork, KY 40988
Funeral ServiceMAR 28. 5:00 PM (EDT)
Mill Creek Baptist Church
Highway 221
Stoney Fork, KY 40988
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