She was a retired Drew Central school teacher and a member of the 1st Assembly of God. Mrs. Letty loved bird watching, growing flowers, or just about anything outdoors. She loved taking care of children, older people, and dogs; however, her greatest love was her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a brother, John S. Bailey, Jr.; a sister, Glenda Nell Bailey Glennon; and two brothers that died in infancy, Fred and Charles.
Mrs. Letty was a graduate of Warren High School before attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Arkansas State University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She also had 24 hours toward her Master's degree. Letty's teaching career spanned 37 years where she taught in Malden, MO, Bloomfield, MO, Drew Central, and Grace Christian Academy.
Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Dennis Burton of Monticello; three sons, David Alan Smollen II, Robin Christopher Smollen and Paul Dana Smollen; three daughters, Lynne Marie Smollen, and Sara Louise Smollen, Sandra Burton; fourteen grandchildren, Christopher Smollen, Lauren and Erin Smollen, Kaylee VanHise, Kara Smollen, Ian Smollen, Kennedy Davis, Bailey Davis, Nathaniel Hobbs, Wyatt Alpers, Cade Alpers, Jackson Tinker, Gabriel Tinker and Adam Tinker; three great-grandchildren, Elliot Roberts, Violet Roberts, and Mable Roberts; along with several special nieces and nephews.
A memorial service honoring her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020, at Pauline Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Dunn officiating. Covid-19 guidelines will be followed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Chance Fur Dogs, Hope Place, the library at Drew Central. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(11)
Shelia Ratledge
Thornton, CO Thursday, November 5, 2020 My family was so saddened to hear of yours, Mrs. Letty was a very special lady to so many people and was so loved. She touched every life she came into contact with in a way that they will never be the same. Mrs . Letty loved children and it was evident in the lives of those who loved her in return. My family was lucky enough to have been blessed with her around 6 times as teacher and mentor and I promise you she never forget them or anything about them which they loved because so many teachers just passed special needs children on to someone else and never took the time to understand them.or get to know them, not Mrs Letty she never made them feel slow or different just always loved and helped me enforce that they could become anything they put their mind too. Then sphere was the time she attended church with us at Cominto Baptist and my kids really loved that too because she then became Mrs. Letty or to a few grandma Letty, the gum lor candy lady not Mrs Burton . I haven't seen her in a few years as i no longer live in the state but will always think of her and cherish those memories of my children's teacher and my friend ,the time we spent in her classroom i as room mother and the funny things that we did or she would say.She will truly be missed. Love and prayers. Shelia &Danny RatledgeGail Burton
Searcy, AR Saturday, October 31, 2020 I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you. Lettie was very loved by all and will be dearly missed.Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Saturday, October 31, 2020 So very sorry to read of Letty Ray's passing. We knew each other from childhood. I still have a scar on my leg I got when we were running and playing down at Mr. and Mrs. Bailey's when we were kids. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.Marilyn Ashcraft
Warren, AR Friday, October 30, 2020 Always loved talking with Letty. A one-of-a-kind great lady. Prayers!Brianna White
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Mrs. Burton was one of my favorite teachers at Grace Christian. She's missed so dearly.Darlene Johnson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, October 28, 2020 Mrs. Letty was a wonderful woman and I had the pleasure of caring for her during her stay at the hospital. Many prayers to the family.Butch and Judy Selig
Benton, AR Wednesday, October 28, 2020 We are sorry to learn of your loss. Letty was a joy to be around. We were neighbors several years, and she was so sweet to our grandson whenever he visited us. He loved to go down to her house and pet her little dogs and visit with her. She will be missed by so many. Prayers for comfort during these difficult days.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, October 28, 2020 So sorry to hear about Letty. She was such a precious lady and a good friend. I pray God gives you peace and comfort in your sorrow.With love & sympathy,
Janice
Mark&Mary withers
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, October 27, 2020 We are so sorry for Y'alls loss,letty was a good womanCaleb Eubanks
Warrensburg, MO Tuesday, October 27, 2020 I will never forget the treat jar in 2nd grade that would sing "Green Acres." From learning in class to seeing each other in Possum Valley, Mrs. Burton was always a joy to be around and will be greatly missed.Karen Brown
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, October 27, 2020 You were loved by many and you will be missed!