Letty Ray Bailey Burton
September 21, 1942 - October 26, 2020

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Pauline Missionary Baptist Church 909 N. Hyatt Monticello ,  AR 71655 10/31/2020 at 1:00 p.m. Map & Directions

Letty Ray Bailey Burton, age 78 of Monticello, passed away Monday, October 26, 2020, at her home. She was born September 21, 1942, in the Corinth community in Bradley County, AR to the late John Sanford Bailey, Sr. and Jeanetta Rabalais Bailey.

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.