Reba Ann Short, 77, of El Paso, Arkansas passed away July 30, 2022. She was born July 24, 1945 in El Paso, Arkansas to the late William (Bill) Smith (with whom she shared a birthday) and Ella Mae Bates. Reba had a special love for writing poetry, with several of her poems being registered with the Library of Congress in Washington DC, writing songs, singing and playing the piano. She learned to play piano by ear from Mrs. Lilla Pool in exchange for keeping her flower beds clean; from that she developed a love of having lots of beautiful flowers around her home. She and her beloved husband sang many songs together at home, church or when they had other opportunities at gatherings. Preceding her in death was her husband of 50 years, Darrell Dwayne Short Sr., her parents; five brothers, Dewitt, Louis, Glenn, Vernon and Tommy Smith; three sisters, Morine Smith, Rita (Mitchell) Oakley and Elaine (Howard) Reddings. Reba is survived by her son, Darrell Dwayne Short Jr. (Glennis) of Benton and daughter, Martha Diane St. John of El Paso; grandsons, Curtis Dwayne Short of Austin, Jacob Wade Thompson (Wynn) of Bauxite; great grandson, Justin Wade Thompson of Bauxite; granddaughter, Lindie Thompson (Jake Walker) of Austin; one brother, Donald Ray Smith of El Paso; four sisters, Edith Bernard of Vilonia, Freda Kirkland, Arlena Riley (Don) of El Paso and Alice Thompson of Romance; sister-in-law, Jennie (Smith) Sarringar, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation was Tuesday August 2nd, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at Smith Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, August 6, 2022, 1:00pm, at Oak Church of Christ in El Paso, Arkansas, followed by a burial at Grissard Cemetery (El Paso). The family would like to give special thanks to Arkansas Hospice for the loving care they provided Reba and our family, and also a heartwarming thank you to Reba’s care giver, Lorrie Henley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arkansas Hospice, 410 North Apple Street, Searcy, Arkansas, 72143. Visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook to view the registry. Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.
