Clara Fortune Smart of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the age of 71. She was born August 24, 1954, the daughter of Edward Franklin “Ed” Fortune and Nellie Beulah (Henson) Fortune-Milligan.
Ms. Smart attended Tuckerman High School. She was a hard worker her entire life and always made sure to provide for her daughter. Ms. Smart retired as a Sanitation Engineer for Arkansas State University-Newport.
Ms. Smart enjoyed cooking, grilling out, and having a good time with her friends and family. Ms. Smart’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren. She loved attending their sporting events and showing up in any way she could to support them. Ms. Smart was spunky and had a great sense of humor.
Ms. Smart is preceded in death by a brother, Steve B. Fortune; a sister, Lynda Ann Saint John; and her parents.
She is survived by her daughter, Cheryll Smart Luper and husband, Richard, of Newport; a brother, Jerry Fortune; two sisters, Shirley Kierig and Jeannie Haney; four grandchildren, Benjamin Luper and Cecillia, Hannah Luper, Trey Norris, and Lucas Luper; three great-grandchildren, Keenan Luper, Astrid Luper, and Warren Luper; her baby girl dog, Bella; and a host of family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2025, at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Don Martin officiating. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday evening, September 7, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers are Ben Luper, Trey Norris, Lucas Luper, Corby Spicer, Joey Haney, and Todd Fortune.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
