Zoella Smith
/In Loving Memory of Zoella Smith
VISITATION SERVICE:
đź•ś Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 12:00-2:00 PM
đź“Ť M&H Memorial Chapel
411 S. Walnut St. | Hope, AR 71801
CELEBRATION OF LIFE:
đź•ś Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
đź“Ť Roadside Church of God in Christ
5934 HWY 278 West | Ozan, AR
Resting Place – Mt. Moriah Cemetery (Academy Community) | Washington, AR
A Beautiful Life Remembered: Zoella Smith
On Monday, November 29, 1954, God blessed the world with a daughter who would touch the lives of everyone she met with her compassionate heart, giving spirit, supportive presence, and radiant smile. That daughter was Zoella Williamson. Named Zozella at birth, Zoella was the fifth child born to the union of Roger Lee Williamson and Dortha Mae Walker-Williamson in Washington, Arkansas. She was also blessed to grow up with two cousins who were raised as her siblings.
Zoella attended Lincoln High School in Washington, Arkansas. While she did not formally participate in many school programs, she was always a lover of sports—basketball, softball, football, and tennis—and was an enthusiastic, in-the-bleachers cheerleader, always supporting her family and friends. She is fondly remembered by her peers as the Zoella we all came to know: compassionate, kind, friendly, approachable, and someone who never met a stranger. Zoella continued to pursue education throughout her life, earning her Associate Degree in Medical Assisting in 2014, as well as a Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Transcription. She spent much of her life caring for the sick and ailing, including becoming a full-time caregiver for her mother, whom she cared for with impeccable devotion during her transitional period.
Zoella accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior early in life. She attended Power House COGIC under the leadership of the late Superintendent Theodore Marks. When Superintendent Marks founded Roadside COGIC, Zoella joined him and rededicated her life to Christ. She was actively involved in the church, served faithfully in the choir, and was later ordained as a Missionary. She remained devoted to her faith until her earthly departure.
One of Zoella’s greatest joys was playing softball with the state-winning Queens Softball Team, where she was a member for over 20 years. It was there that she built lifelong friendships and earned the nickname "Goldie." She loved family gatherings and found fulfillment in helping others—whether it was offering shelter to someone in need or providing heartfelt encouragement, Zoella gave freely and selflessly. She rarely said "no" and was always present for others. She proudly supported her children and grandchildren at their school and sporting events and became a lifelong Scrapper fan—with a touch of Hawk Nation love thanks to her granddaughter. Zoella extended that love to many, especially those without family support or simply in need of a friendly face in the crowd. Her giving spirit led her to help raise three of her nieces’ children and to become a foster mom to two young boys who stole her heart.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, Zoella ascended from this earthly life and reunited with her loved ones in eternal rest. She joins her parents, Roger Lee and Dortha Mae Williamson; sisters, Emma Ford and Loretta Johnson; brothers, Roger Lewis Williamson, Marvin Williamson, and Alvin Williamson; nieces, Tonda Ford and Jackie Ford; and nephews, Roger L. Williamson Jr., Timothy Ford, and David Jefferson.
Zoella leaves to cherish her memory her children: Randal Smith (April), Voscia Walker, WaKesha Walker and Tiara White; siblings, Wesley Williamson and Larry Williamson, Ramona Coulter, Felica Moore, Sharlette Jefferson, and Ray Charles Williamson (Thabba LaSha); grandchildren, Dre’, Miranda, Dakota, JaMyric, Aubrie, Jason “JT”, Armani, and Lauren; great-grandchildren, A’Ladyn, Raina, BellaRose, Caidon, Dak, and Aria; foster children, Skylar and Michael. Zoella leaves behind a legacy of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, co-workers, and others who will forever cherish her memory.
