Bea Smithson

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — Bea Smithson, 97, a died Oct. 17, 2019, at East Prairie Nursing Center. 

Born March 31, 1922, in East Prairie, daughter of the late George and Cora Cogdill Flowers, she had been a cook for McAllister Towing Company.  She attended First Assembly of God Church in East Prairie.

On March 13, 1937, in Arkansas, she married Buster L. Smithson, who preceded her in death on June 9, 1978.

Survivors include: two sons and daughters-in-law, Danny and Sheila Smithson of East Prairie and Harry and Margie Smithson of Claremore, Okla.; one daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Philip Griggs of Dexter; and 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Sam Smithson; three brothers, Paul, Fred and Ted Flowers; and one infant grandchild.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, where services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday with  Mike Johnson officiating.

Burial will follow in Dogwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Joey Smithson, Mark Smithson, Chris Smithson, Scott Vowels, Robbie Carden and Matthew Smithson.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Kelly Dorris, Sammi Thompson, Melissa Vowels, Joann Smithson and Charla Lane.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ponderfuneralhome.com.