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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Arilla Pinkney
Smiley
July 20, 1926 – November 13, 2010
Obituary
Pallbearers will be Deacons of Union Missionary Baptist Church and Friends of the Family.
Mrs. Arilla Pinkney Smiley, daughter of the late Rudolph Pinkney and Emma Pinkney, was born July 20, 1926 in Pelham, Georgia.
Arilla, as she was affectionately known, received her education from Mitchell County Training School in Pelham, Georgia.
Arilla was united in Holy Matrimony to Stephen W. Smiley on February 8, 1948. To this union three daughters were born.
Mrs. Arilla accepted Christ and joined the Union Missionary Baptist Church early in her adult life.
She was a devoted wife and mother. She was truly a pillar in the community of Mitchell County as a midwife. Over one thousand babies were delivered by her hands. For thirty years she provided professional childcare to many of the children in the community.
Sister Smiley was a faithful and active member of Union Missionary Baptist Church until her health failed.
On Saturday, November 13, 2010, Mrs. Smiley was called home to be with the Lord.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters, Brenda Smiley of Woodville, Georgia, Georgia Ann Merritt of Camilla, Georgia, Jacquelyn (S. T. Jr.) Briscoe of Woodville, Georgia; four grandchildren, Monica (Earl) Gilbert of Savannah, Georgia, Gena (Wendell) Grier of Woodville, Georgia, Stephen (Sarah) Briscoe of Lawton, Oklahama, Melanie Briscoe of Woodville, Georgia; five great grandchildren; five brothers, I. C. (Viola) Pinkney of Fort Myers, Florida, I. J. (Rachel) Pinkney of Vero Beach, Emory Pinkney, Emerson (Margret) Pinkney, of Fort Myers, Florida, Matthew (Louise) Pinkney of Camilla, Georgia; four sisters, Melissa (Elliott) Redden, Annie Lou Rice of Fort Myers, Florida, Irene (Willliam) Spence of Pelham, Georgia, Christen (Matthew) Greene of Maryland; sister-in-law, Mary Smiley of Camilla, Georgia; brothers-in-law, David Smiley of Steilacoom, Washington, Johnny Pugh of Atlanta, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
When I am gone, release me; let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years
I gave you love, you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love each have shown
but now it is time I travel alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for a while that we must part
so bless those memories within your heart.
I will not be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear.
All of my love around you, soft and clear.
Then when you must come this way alone,
I will greet you with a smile and a welcome home.
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