Stella L. Smith

Stella Laverne Lavelle Smith, 88, of North Little Rock, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. Born to James Edward and Effie Baskin Lavelle, Stella was born in Memphis and raised in Little Rock and Sylvan Hills along with her siblings. A proud graduate of North Little Rock High School, she enjoyed keeping up with the Class of 1955 and attended reunions for many years.

It was in high school that she met the love of her life, Carson Smith. They married in 1956 and shared a beautiful love story until Carson’s passing in 1981. Stella and Carson were a great team. Together they raised their sons, Terry and Craig, while also owning racehorses, building homes, and pursuing many adventures. Stella loved horse racing and especially enjoyed traveling with Carson and their horse, Dark Roman, to Churchill Downs.

Though she never played, Stella was an avid tennis fan. She could watch for hours on television—even waking in the middle of the night to catch matches live. She was also a devoted Elvis fan and treasured trips with Terry and Beth to see “Big Elvis” in Las Vegas. She held a special admiration for the Eiffel Tower and was thrilled when her grandson Tanner was able to see it in person during his travels to Paris.

Stella was a good friend, a dedicated worker, and a woman of faith. She spent many years in the insurance industry at various Little Rock agencies, where she formed lifelong friendships. She loved road trips with friends, sightseeing, and participating in Bible study groups during her retirement years. She cherished the fellowship of the ladies at Gardner United Methodist Church and Levy Church of Christ, where she also served faithfully as treasurer. Baptist by faith, Stella longed for the day she would be reunited with Carson in Heaven. She was strong, independent, and worked tirelessly to provide a good life for her boys after Carson’s passing.

Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Carson Smith; her parents, James and Effie Lavelle; her sister, Jackie Matheny; and her brothers, James Edward "J.E." Lavelle Jr. and Ennis “Buddy” Lavelle. She is survived by her sister, Norma Lavelle of Benton, AR; her sons, Terry (Beth) Smith and Craig (Carole) Smith of North Little Rock, AR; her grandchildren, Dustin Smith, Logan Smith, Tanner Smith, Zachary (Christa) Smith, and Alexandra (Clint) Webb; five great-grandsons; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, August 29, at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock. Burial will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114.