Cynthia Arnet Fitzpatrick

Cynthia Arnet Fitzpatrick Smith was born to Shelton Fitzpatrick and Ruth Emma Smith Fitzpatrick on January 4, 1964 in West Helena, Arkansas. She was the second eldest of three children.  She attended Eliza Miller Junior High School and Central High School. She also attended Phillips Community College in Helena, Arkansas where she studied to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, a career in which she would dedicate over two decades of her life. Cynthia gave her life to Christ at an early age at the Greater First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Hughes. There she was the church pianist, as well as a member of several choirs. She would later become a member of the Second Baptist Church under the leadership of her dear husband of 31 years, Reverend Jarvis Smith. Cynthia enjoyed playing the piano, and she used to her talents generously in service to the Lord. She was a faithful member of the Gospel Souls, along with her dearly departed cousin Cedric “Boonie” Pride, Jr, her beloved cousins Berenda Pride and Angela Stewart, and her dear friend Lita Moore-Johnson under the leadership of the late Ms. Lillie Mae Warren. Cynthia, recently, became a faithful member of the Arkansas Valley Baptist Choir, where she enjoyed singing with fellow members of the Southern Baptist Association. Cynthia played for numerous churches in the community and across the country. Cynthia, affectionately known as “Sissy,” was a light to the community. Everywhere she went, she enjoyed making others laugh. She inspired others, no matter where she was, through her gift of singing. Her favorite words were “Come on girls. Let’s sing something!” She uplifted those who were down with her warm and loving spirit. Whether it is in Walmart, her daily brunches at Lacy’s with Ms. Era Mae, or sitting behind the piano—she will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her mother; Ruth Emma Fitzpatrick Smith, great-grandmother; Alice Jimmerson, grandmothers; Nettie Smith, Aritha Bailey Curry, grandfathers; Willie Leroy Fitzpatrick, Jesse Norton, one brother; Mark Fitzpatrick, two grandchildren; Ja’Kevion Reese, Tristan Hayes and many more close aunties, uncles and cousins. She leaves to cherish her memories— her husband, together for thirty-one years; Reverend Jarvis Smith, her four children; Andrea Dolphin, James Reese, Keairra (Jalin) Morris, Jakala (Sheriff) Garba, her father; Shelton (Polly) Fitzpatrick, one brother; Reverend Vincent (Sandra) Bell, two sisters; Ruby Aretha Fitzpatrick, Demetria Lavette Fitzpatrick, one god-daughter; Teresa Moore Hughes, three cherished friends; Era Mae, Thressa Sims, Leban McCray, eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.