Clara Mae Chamblee

Clara Mae Chamblee, 84, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord April 29, 2023.  She was born January 18, 1939 in Haskell, Arkansas to the late Johnny Gilbert and Cathie (Wheeler) Smith.

Clara was a member of Gospel Light Baptist Church.  She loved the Lord with all her heart and dedicated her life to serving Him.  Clara was a Sunday School teacher, cooked for the travelling evangelists during revivals, helped sing in the choir, worked in the altars, shared the gospel, prayed for those in need, and trusted God for all things.  She was very gifted and artistic and could decorate the most beautiful cakes, sew complete outfits, crochet quilts and afghans, paint gorgeous pictures, and perfected the fine art of needlepoint.  Clara looked forwards to decorating her home for the Christmas holidays, her favorite time of the year.   Clara’s home was always open to anyone needing a place to stay.  Many times, she and her husband welcomed book salesmen to stay in their home.  Not only did they provide them with a room and warm meals, but they shared the gospel with them.  Clara’s finest role was being Memaw.  She loved her family fiercely and was so devoted to them.  Everyone affectionately calls Clara “Memaw” and says she was the best Memaw in the world!  It was not uncommon to find Clara, sitting on the couch playing Nintendo with one of her grandchildren (and probably winning-as Clara LOVED playing Nintendo!!).  Clara was a shining light and an example of a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother and we were so blessed to have had her in our lives for all these precious years.

Preceding Clara in death are her parents, Gilbert and Cathie Smith; grandson, Jeremy Chamblee; daughter-in-law, Geneva Chamblee; five brothers:  Scotty Smith, Leroy Smith, John Smith, Cotton Smith, and Billy Smith; and three sisters:  Loraine Smith, Betty Wilmoth, and Lilly Smith.

Clara leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of 67 years, James E. Chamblee, Sr. of Benton, Arkansas; children:  James E. Chamblee, Jr. of Centerville, Iowa, Wanda Chamblee of Benton, Arkansas, Lou Valance (Roy) of Prattsville, Arkansas, and Elena Hight (Paul Ording) of Cabot, Arkansas; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson on the way; two sisters:  Mary DeBord and Thelma Skaines of Texas; many nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends who love Clara and will miss her always.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 4 from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton, Arkansas.  Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Eddie Kitchens and her son, James Chamblee, Jr., will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, May 5 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Burial to follow at Social Hill Cemetery with Kyle Valance, Kaleb Valance, Jedidiah Sawyer, Josh Sawyer, Ricky Ernest, Spencer Staggs, and Gavin Sawyer assisting as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers are Paul Ordig and Roy Valance.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.