Brenda Faye Davidson Smith, daughter of the late Levone Davidson and Ada Billingsly Davidson, was born on March 10, 1954, in LaCrosse, Arkansas. She departed this life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the age of 71.
Brenda confessed Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Malden, Missouri. After later moving to Batesville, Arkansas, she united with Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
She was a graduate of Malden High School, Class of 1972. Following high school, she attended Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and later earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB).
While residing in Malden, Brenda was employed as an Assistant Manager at Pizza Hut. After relocating to Batesville, Arkansas, she worked as a secretary for Judge Weaver and was later employed with GDX for 27 years. She retired from the Batesville School District, where she served as a preschool teacher for 10 years.
Brenda enjoyed going to bingo and watching her favorite television shows, especially soap operas. She was a fan of The Young and the Restless, never missing an episode featuring Victor Newman, her favorite character, and also enjoyed watching Walker, Texas Ranger, starring Chuck Norris. Above all, she loved her family and cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In August 1983, Brenda married Clyde Daniel Smith, Sr. From this union, they were blessed with one child together, Clyde Daniel Smith Jr
She was preceded in death by both parents, Levone Davidson and Ada Billingsly Davidson; one sister, Carrie Van White Brooks; and one brother, Gary Davidson.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband of forty-two years, Clyde Daniel Smith, Sr.; one daughter, Shawna Davidson of Batesville, Arkansas; two sons, Corey (Shainikka) Davidson of Batesville, Arkansas, and Clyde Daniel Smith, Jr. of Batesville, Arkansas; ten grandchildren: Talia Davidson, Clifton Rosonno Jr., Courtney (Nathan) Harris, Kori Davidson, Zharia Childress, Marshawna Guthrie, Sincere Smith, Laymonte Smith, Davari Smith, Jaxson Smith, all of Batesville, Arkansas; and three great-grandchildren: Maliyah Bell, D’Mario Bell Jr., and Amiri Resonno.
She is also survived by one sister, Linda Davidson of Batesville, Arkansas; four brothers, Jasper (Tina) Davidson of Memphis, Tennessee, Jimmy Davidson of Batesville, Arkansas, Joe (Dorothy) Davidson of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Robert (Anita) Davidson of Kansas City, Kansas; a special cousin, Shirley Starker; a special niece, Penny Davidson; special friends Janette Ring, Linda King, Tonya King, and Nettie Hackworth; step-daughter, Jackie Hodge and other stepchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Willis Funeral Home Service Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Butler, Dr. Victoria Smith, and Evangelist Vanessa Howard.
Pallbearers will be Clifton Resonno Jr., Sincere Smith, Laymonte Smith, Davari Smith, Shyron Vance, and Chris Carodine.
Honorary pallbearers are Batesville Preschool, GDX Automotive, and The Class of ’72.
Brenda Faye ‘Davidson’ Smith will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
