Hellen Smith Pinkley

Hellen Smith Pinkley of Springdale, Arkansas, formerly of Berryville, Arkansas died August 25, 2015at the Earlene Howard Hospice Home. She was born near Marble, Arkansas on September 21, 1923 to parents, John Frank and Anna Willard (Allred) Smith. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Herman Pinkley who died on March 12, 2014; her son Brian Pinkley who died on September 16, 2012; two brothers, Herman Smith and Hugh Thomas Smith; and three sisters, MaryEtta Clark, Susie Smelley, and Laura Cline. Survivors include her sons, Lyle Pinkley of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Ralph Pinkley of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and her daughter-in-law, Glenda Collins of Berryville, Arkansas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jesse Swift of Elkins, Arkansas, Ethan Pinkley and Abby Palomo both of Berryville, Arkansas; and a host of adoring family and friends. Hellen was a dedicated Christian who attended Moore Free Will Baptist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. She sang hymns on the day she died even though terribly weak. Hellen adored her family and was extremely devoted to her husband. They showed how marriage should be done – though they still had some spirited exchanges! Hellen's only complaint as she was sick was that she couldn't work. And work she did. She and Herman raised registered Brangus cattle, had a large garden, and he was a self-employed building contractor who didn't retire until he was 73. They were each other's best friend. Hellen had many talents, both ordinary and not so much. When she was 65 she took an artificial insemination course and passed with flying colors. She was still raking hay when she was 85. Perhaps her greatest gift was the art of storytelling, which she enjoyed tremendously. She could make even the smallest events hilarious when she told about them. This gift was appreciated on many occasions in the waiting room when a family member was having surgery and she was needed to distract those of us who were anxious. When she told stories Herman looked at her with such pride and love even though he had heard them hundreds of times. Hellen was comfortable talking about the fact that she would see Jesus soon. When asked if she was afraid, she just smiled and said, "not one bit." Those of us who know Jesus will go to her, but she will not return to us. Her favorite verses of scripture were Hebrews 10:23 and Philippians 4:8. Visitation will be from 9 until 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Charles M. Nelson Memorial Chapel in Berryville, Arkansas. A celebration of her life will follow the visitation at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015 with Reverend Doug Harris officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Moore Cemetery under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. Memorial donations may be made to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 362, Berryville, Arkansas 72616. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2015.