Martha Kay Smart, 82, of Jacksonville passed away September 28, 2023.  She was born December 21, 1940, in Sheridan, Arkansas to the late Leon Bradford and Berniece Elizabeth (Ashcraft) Sorrells.  She graduated as valedictorian of the Jacksonville High School class of 1958 and was a devout member of the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.  Many of you here may have known her as Kay.  The luckiest of you knew her as Mom.  But to me and her other grandchildren, she was our Gran.

Kay had many interests over the years.  She loved bird watching, especially from the chair in her living room that provided a direct view to the dozens of birds and squirrels she befriended over the years.  She cheered on the Arkansas Razorbacks from that same chair although that activity was usually filled with more stress than any of us would prefer.  Kay's favorite activity, though, was loving her family.  Kay was a special woman to all who knew her.  Most of us are convinced the phrase "to know her is to love her" was written about Gran.

Those left to cherish the memories of Kay include her daughters, Karen and her husband William Hall, Kathy and her husband Bill Leonard, and Kay Lynn Harris; five grandchildren, Katie and her husband Jerry, Ernie, Ginnie and her husband Stewart, Brad, and Noel; three great-grandchildren Katie Kay, Hayden, and Ballard; one sister Lee Kipp; as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews that will miss her dearly.  And while we'll all miss her greatly, we are comforted by knowing that we will be reminded of her by every passing bird and every kind word.

Kay's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Joe Smith, Julie Atkins, and the staff at UAMS.