She was united in holy matrimony to the late Lemuel Ridgell, Sr. and to this union four sons were born, three whom preceded her in death, Jerry Ridgell, Keith Ridgell and Rodney Ridgell. Later she married Abraham Smith, whom preceded her in death.
She attended school in Star City Community and also attended Beauty School in Pine Bluff, was a seamstress at the Byrd Manufacturing in Star City and retired from Safeway.
She confessed and hopes in Christ at an early age in Stranger's Rest AME Church. After moving to Monticello, she joined Shady Grove AME Church, later she moved her membership to Mount Zion AME Church where she remained a faithful member, until her health failed. She was a Missionary, Stewardess, Sunday School Teacher and member of the Church Choir.
She leaves to cherish her memories one son, David Ridgell; a daughter-in-law, Kristi Ridgell; three stepsons, Sam (Marilyn) Ridgell of North Little Rock, Lemuel (Evelyn) Ridgell, Jr. of Monticello and Abraham Smith, Jr. of Pine Bluff; a step-daughter, Deena Smith Jones (Roderick) of Bryant. She also leaves cherish memories to two brothers, Waymond (Leola) Harris of Flint, MI and James (Bernestine) Harris of Clio, Michigan; two sisters, Annie Jean (Earl) Ridgell of Grand Blanc, Michigan an Elizabeth Harris of Flint, Michigan; seven sister-in-laws, Willie Mae Harris, Maggie Harris, Vivian Harris, Verlinda Harris, Alice Harris, Francis Harris and Joyce Harris; a devoted niece, Betty Tucker; twelve grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
Condolences(66)
Roderick Ambrose
Jacksonville, AR Saturday, November 17, 2012 If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them..Charles (Chuckie) Harris
Toronto, FL Saturday, November 17, 2012 Continuing to pray for our family as we celebrate Aunt Eura Lee's transition. She will be missed!Debra Harris-Ruffin
Detroit, MI Friday, November 16, 2012 Rest in peace Auntie. When coming south, your house was the place to be. I cherish growing up a part of this family. Kendra, Karon, Kacy and everyone our prayers are with you and we love you.Montanez Marks
monticello, AR Friday, November 16, 2012 To Karon and Kristi,Morgan and Corrine you all have my deepest sympathy,and the Lord knows best.Cherish all the great memories and know she will always be with u all.She has gone to prepare a place for u all.I love u guys..Sonia Harrid
Flint, MI Friday, November 16, 2012 My prayers go out to my family for our loss. Aunt Eura Lee was also there for anyone who needed her. I will miss her laugh, smile and presence. Love and miss you. R.I.P. Aunt Eura Lee....Carla Simpson
NLR, AR Friday, November 16, 2012 Deena, so sorry to hear the passing of your Step Mother. My condolences go out to the entire Ridgell-Smith family at this difficult time. One thing for sure, our God knows best. Will continue to lift your family in prayer.LaKeisha Suber
Monticello, AR Friday, November 16, 2012 My prayers are with the entire family. RIP Ms. Eurabridgette martin-freeman
montice, AR Friday, November 16, 2012 May God be your strength!Alec L Bullard
, GA Friday, November 16, 2012 Kendra, Again my condolences. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. The passing of elders is inevitable, but the joy and memories are forever.Honorable Sulaiman A.S. H. Khalif-Bey
Brooklyn, NY Friday, November 16, 2012 I give my condolences.crystal harris
inkster, MI Friday, November 16, 2012 gone but never forgotten!! rest in paradise aunt eura lee i love you!!Jody Gladden
Monticello, AR Friday, November 16, 2012 I have not seen Eura Lee in many, many years but I remember her as a precious lady at Safeway. She was always smiling and pleasant. Always seemed to be in a good mood. Sorry for your loss - she a precious woman of God.geraldine simmons
monticello, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 with deepest thoughts and prayers,may god strenght y'all doing this timeARTHUR TOUSSAINT
Shreveport, LA Thursday, November 15, 2012 I would like to express my deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow. May nGod be with you in your time of need. God BlessJames M. Harris Jr.
Flint, MI Thursday, November 15, 2012 R.I.P. ... Aunt Eura Lee Ridgell ... I know that you are now better.Terry Larry
North Little Rock, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 My God be with you and family during your lost of your love one. Myself and family will be in prayer for the family. Larry FamilyBarbara Benton
Warren, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 Karon,I was sorry to hear about the death of your mother. I have had the misfortune of losing two siblings, and it is definitely a test of your faith. You will get through it if you keep the faith and put your trust in God. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. So many people loved her in their own special way. As long as you have those memories in your heart, she will never be completely gone. Take care of yourself, and God bless you.
Your classmate,
Barbara Vincent Benton
Mr.&Mrs. Albert White
KCK, KS Thursday, November 15, 2012 She was a very good person to me & my wife.Fred Harris
Chicago, IL Thursday, November 15, 2012 God bless the family!!Lisa Harris Barnes
Little Rock, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 To the beloved family and dear friends of Aunt Eura Lee; I express truthful gratitude, and the with kind appreciation for the prayers and love for her during her time of illness and at her death. My prayers are that she will rest in the bosom of the Lord, and at his coming we will all see each other again to share in his glory. She is surely happy to have peace now and be resting!Marcia Hopkins
Little Rock, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 Ms. Deena,My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of bereavement. Your sister in Christ.
Love you, Marcia
Jocelyn
, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 Deena,You and your family are in my prayers! Call me if you need anything!
Jocelyn Jackson
Rogena Ellison
Atlanta, GA Thursday, November 15, 2012 My prayers are with my family. Aunt Eura Lee was a kind, beautiful woman that will truly be missed. I will always remember those wonderful summers in Arkansas with her and my cousins.Shirley Thomas
Little Rock, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 Deena you and your family are in my prayers. May God bless and keep you during your time of breavement . I got you if you need a shoulder to lay your head on.SHAY FRANKLIN
LITTTLE ROCK, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 I am praying for you and your family in the homegoing of your step-mom. Remember, earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal.Love you.
Shay
Bessie Baker
Port St. Lucie, FL Thursday, November 15, 2012 To The Ridgell and Harris family: Sorry to hear of your lost. I know she will be missed. Such a fun loving person....Grace and Peace to all.Denise Rash
, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 To Deena Smith-Jones and FamilyJust know that your family is in my prayers.
Love your co-worker, Denise Rash
Raphus & Sandra Lewis
Grand blanc, MI Thursday, November 15, 2012 We are so sorry for the lost of your sister Euras Lee may our prayer be with youMichael Sims
Chester, SC Thursday, November 15, 2012 From:Michael Sims n Family so sorry about your lost..if we can do anything please let me know,may GOD"bless u all"n our prayer is with u also.terrance steward
Dermott, AR Thursday, November 15, 2012 My prayer are with you in your time of losing a love one. Look to the hills from hence cometh your help. Known that God is in controlERIC GREEN
MONTICELLO, AR Wednesday, November 14, 2012 U will be greatly missed with all ur jokes and smart replies. Ur in a better place cuz so enjoye and rejoiceAntonio Franchesca
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX Wednesday, November 14, 2012 In support of grand-daughter to Eura Lee Ridgell-Smith's Grand Daughter, Kenda Nolan, family and friends.My condolences to the Family and Friends of Madame Ridgell-Smith, May God Give us all Peace, serenity, and reflection in our time of Grief. May God Bless and to Bless now and forevermore, this we pray.
Antonio Franchesca
Leron Gragg
Kansas City, MO Wednesday, November 14, 2012 To the family I'm sorry for your loss. I pray that God is with you during this time of sadness. She was my aunt and I'm so sorry I can not make the home going service. May God Bless you all!Leron Gragg and Family
natasha shaw
Port Gibson, MS Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Kendra, my heart goes out to you and your family for the lost of your grandmother. I know its not easy..just remember God may have broke your heart, but he makes no mistakes, he only take the best. I will continue to pray for you and your family.Aaron
Fort Riley, KS Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Kendra, sorry for precious lost, my condolences goes out to you and your family. Stayed prayed up and look always toward the heavens.. Keep you head up!! Love u much.SFC Parker, A
US Army
Fort Riley, KS
Kendra
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Grandma, words can't express how I am feeling right now. But I will say that even though you're not here I'm glad that you're not in pain anymore. We have had some wonderful times and I will always cherish them. Your spirit, and love will always remain with me. Take your rest grandma. You fought a good fight, finished the race. You will always a phenomenal woman!!!!!!Kendra
Marilyn Matthews-Ridgell
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, November 14, 2012 To Kacy, Tony, Kendra, Karon and Christy's children - All the beautiful grandkids - I will remember you guys in my prayers. Sometimes we think of the children more than the grand children. You all are not forgotten at this time. I know you loved your Granny and she loved you too. Again, will be praying for you all. Be blessed from God on high.Wm Gerald Coc
Lake Village, AR Wednesday, November 14, 2012 My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Ms Eura Lee was always a friendly smiling face to me and my family. I remember her when I was a child at Safeway and the many years I have known her since. She will be missed. God blessMark Curry
Boston, MA Wednesday, November 14, 2012 We would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of our Friend Kendra Nolen's grandmother. The loss of a love one can never heal without the grace of The Lord. We pray that his love and mercy will cover your family at this difficult time.Our Prayers are with you all,
Mark Curry and The Curry Family
TAKEISHA DAVIS
Warren, AR Wednesday, November 14, 2012 To Kendra Ridgell and all members of the family you have my deepest sympathy, I pray God gives you all strength to make it through this time of sorrow. Love always Takeisha, Eric, Jakeilah, James and Erin.Marc A. Ridgell
Chicago, IL Wednesday, November 14, 2012 You were the one that has made me the person I am. I know you're in a better place now. You will be missed.Your grandson TonyCollat Johnson III
Dallas, TX Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Kendra Ridgell NolenI would like to offer my condolences to the entire family for your loss. I pray God gives you strength and understanding at this time. May each day be filled with memories along with comfort day by day knowing she's in a better place. God bless y'all.
Marilyn Matthews-Ridgell
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Karon & Deena - Thinking of you at this time. Will be praying for you both. Take CareMarilyn
Henry Ett Mcfadden
Detroit, MI Tuesday, November 13, 2012 We are certainly praying for the entire famly.Amanda Matthews
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 13, 2012 KaronI am so sorry for the loss of your mother Mrs. Eura lee , she was a true and loving friend when we work togerther at Sesame School,she kept me smiling and laughing all the time, she was a person you would love to be around because she had a good and caring Heart ,she will be miss.
Felicia Solomon
Riverdale, MD Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Prayer going out to you and your family, in your time of sorrow..Always,
Craig Wilson
Richmond, VA Tuesday, November 13, 2012 May blessing come to all who knew Mrs. Eura Lee. May her memories and love stay in your heart to give you joy and guidance when you need it most. My prayers go out to family and friendsFaye Sanders
Flint, MI Tuesday, November 13, 2012 I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Eura Lee. It seems as a loss to earth, but a gain in Heavenly Places. My prayer is that God will be your strength until you find your strength to carry on. She will be missed by all. She touched many lives and made a positive impact on the lives of others throughout her life.John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Some of my earliest memories are of this sweet lady. She worked with my daddy at Safeway/Harvest Foods and was a big part of my "extended family". When I think of people that inspired me in my life she is definately one of them. I'm thankful that I knew her and was loved by her. Heaven gained an angel and will be forever changed by her presence there.To her family, treasure your memories and know that she will wait for you with open arms for a reunion one day. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during the difficult days ahead. If there is anything we can do please call on us.
Love, John, Paige (Hill), Jayson, Colt, Brayen, Brad, Jake, and Jared Stell
Alice Harris
Romulus, MI Tuesday, November 13, 2012 My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Ridgell and Harris Families. Eura Lee was a unique and loving person. I will miss you, my loving sister-in-law.Pamela Youngblood
Monticello, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 My prayers are with the family of the late Eura Lee Ridgell-Smith.She had such a beautiful smile on her face every time I saw her. Family enjoy all the memories that you shared with her.Terrye Davis
Conway, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 My condolences go out to the family. Ms Eura Lee was a kind and loving lady.Helen Thatcher Czeczok
Duluth, MN Monday, November 12, 2012 I am so sorry for your loss. I was with her when Peanut was born and we became fast friends. She was a lovely woman. Though I have lived far away for many years now, I have never forgotten this beautiful woman. She has built up her own rewards in Heaven and she can now enjoy them.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 Sorry for your loss. I remember her back in the Safeway days, always had a smile for everyone. She will be missed.Jo Ann Trotter
Monticello, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 May God bless the entire Ridgell family. Mrs Eura Lee had a very caring spirit and a warm smile. I often visited her at The Woods and she would always recognized my presence. May the Lord be with you.Jo Ann Trotter
Monticello, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 May God bless the entire Ridgell family. Mrs Eura Lee had a very caring spirit and a warm smile. I often visited her at The Woods and she would always recognized my presence. May the Lord be with you.Ruth Hunter
Wilmar, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 To the family of Ms. Eura Lee: I am so sorry to hear about her passing away. I still remember she always had a smile for everyone when she was a checker at Safeway...My thoughts are with the family..Ruth Hunter
Wanda Jones
Moore, OK Monday, November 12, 2012 "Bereavement is the sharpest challenge to our trust in GOD; if faith can overcome this, there is no mountain which it cannot remove."May GOD bless this family and give them the strength they will need to heal.
Kenneth Frost
Charleston, SC Monday, November 12, 2012 Sorry for your lost, the family is in my prayers in this time of bereavement.May God Bless the family.Kimberly Williams
Monticello, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 I send my deepest condolences to the family and pray that you seek comfort and strength each passing day. She was a woman who was greatly loved, but The Lord loved her more.Reginald K. Hicks
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, DC Monday, November 12, 2012 My condolences to your and your family regarding the matriarch of your Family. May God hold you and keep in this time of mourning. Rejoice and believe that all that are dead shall be born again and we shall be rejoined with all our ancestors in the after life.Rg Hx
Jean Ridgell Webb
kansas city, KS Monday, November 12, 2012 My prayers goes out to my family. I am sure the world will miss her beautiful smile.Stay prayed up family....Bishop Sam Wherry
Monticello, AR Monday, November 12, 2012 The death of Eura Lee Ridgell-Smith is notable, in that this giant of woman from the rural Lower Mississippi/Mid-South city of Monticello, Arkansas. From an historic perspective, Eura Lee was the first African American in South Arkansas to work in Retail(Safeway) where she excelled into Senior Management for thirty(30) plus years. Her husband Lemanuel Ridgell and her were among the first African Americans as Trucking Contractors and grew this to an outtanding/fruitful enterprise until his death and son Karen Ridgell became the second generation COO. Eura Lee then married Abraham Smith of Arkadelphia, AR and with Smith as with Ridgell she motivated this Man to enter into Logging(Forestry Procurement)where no other African American dare ventured and the end result, Abraham Smith Logging became one of the top logging contractors in the Mid-South. The significant of this giant of woman is the role model & trailblazer enhancements she was blessed with favor&prosperity it brought to her and the opportunity for othr minorities to move into Management & Entrepreneurship. This is the greatest of the greatest Nation in the History of Man/Woman Kind that an entity like Eura Lee can excell in a rural and remote region of the United States as Monticello, Arkansas.Pat Savage Montgomry
, TX Sunday, November 11, 2012 So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Barbara McElroy
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 11, 2012 To the Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Eura Lee. She was such a nice person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Tiffany Gathen
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 11, 2012 My prayers and thoughts are with my brother in law, Karon, my sister, Kristi, my nieces, Morgan, Corrine, and my step-nieces. God loves you and surely do I.