Forever In Our Hearts: Natlieth Deloris Smith
- Ina Broomfield
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Natlieth “BaBa” Deloris Smith, was born November 28, 1948 in McGehee, Arkansas to the late James A. Smith and Helen Moore Smith. Natlieth peacefully gained her wings on April 7, 2026 at McGehee Hospital with her loving family at her side.
Natlieth graduated from Desha High School in 1966 in McGehee. She furthered her education at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, then Lincoln University in Kansas City, Missouri with an Undergraduate degree in Education in 1970. Natlieth taught English at Cotton Plant High School, Cotton Platt, Arkansas before deciding to move to Los Angeles, California. Later, she returned to college at UCLA where she obtained a Master’s degree in Engineering.
After receiving her degree in engineering, she began her career in Aerospace Engineering at Rockwell International Cooperation in Long Beach, CA. After Rockwell, she transferred to Boeing Corporation where she remained for more than 35 years. During this time, she worked on the B-1Bomber in addition to multiple projects. The Cooperate also sent her to the Camden, Arkansas site for two years.
Natlieth was confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McGehee as a child. In Los Angeles, she was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church where she served as a faithful and devoted servant of God.
Natlieth was active in her sorority, Eta Phi Beta where she held numerous offices in the organization, culminating as a Western Regional Director from 2013-2017. She was an active member until her demise.
Natlieth enjoyed her life tremendously. She truly loved the Lord and loved to pray. She had friends all over the world. One of her greatest joys was traveling with her sister, Cynthia. Together, they visited Egypt, China, Dubai, Iceland, Rome, Africa, Alaska and many other places. She collected many beautiful artifacts and artwork during her travels and used them to decorate her lovely home. She was a gracious hostess, where she frequently entertained friends and family. Natlieth was a generous and loving soul who always encouraged others with a genuine smile.
She was preceded in death by her parents; James and Helen Smith; her oldest brother, Donald; and her loving aunt, Natlieth Burgess Smith, her namesake.
Survivors include a younger brother, Joseph Andrew Smith; and only sister, Cynthia Laverne Smith both of McGehee; two aunts, Inez Wilbon of Chicago, IL and Berthola Barnes of Atlanta, GA; two nieces, Alicia Wyatt of Temple, GA; Jasmine Smith of Chicago, IL. A host of cousins, Mary Hymes of and Ricky Griffin, McGehee, AR; Gail DeWalt (Paul) of Pine Bluff, AR; Jimmie Perkins (Martha ), Little Rock, AR; Lorraine Floyd of Chicago, IL; Sebrina Gresham (Charles) of Atlanta, GA; Donna, Sonny and Thornton Lee all of Chicago, IL; Pathelynn (Chris) Christian, San Antonio, TX; Buckey (Phyllis) Smith and Billy (Pam) Smith, Houstan, TX, and many other beloved family members and friends, including her work family at Boeing, and also her Sorority family.
The Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 25, 2026
11:00 AM a
St. Andrew MB Church
405 Smith Loop Road
Tillar, AR 71670
Pastor/Eulogist
Reverend Eddie Allen, Sr.
Officiant
Reverend Leroy Hood, Sr.
Interment
Bates Cemetery
866 US 65
Repast
Willis Funeral Home, 101 Park Street McGehee, AR 71654
Natlieth was sent by God to love on people. She was available to help even in the midnight hours. She was an inspiration to me before I knew her name. This woman with silver hair flowing around her shoulders, beautifully dressed from head to toe got my attention. A friend introduced us some months later and she became my friend and prayer partner. Nat and I worked together in our community in many events to help others.
She encouraged and supported me during the illness and death of my mother and son.
I truly believe Natlieth is present with the Lord because for saints to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Love and comfort…
Natlieth was a gracious, loving and committed Christian woman, who blessed my and my family's lives. She will be remembered by us. May God comfort her family and loved ones.