Arlene Beverly Smith

Arlene Beverly Smith, 81 of Springfield, MA, passed away at 12:13pm on March 8, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center.

Arlene Davis was born in Washington, D.C. to Annabelle Davis and Joe Henderson on January 22, 1944. She attended local schools in D.C. before moving to Springfield, MA around 1966. While in Washington, D.C., Arlene married Archie Smith Sr. and to this union, 4 children were born. On her arrival to Springfield, Arlene was initially unable to receive any assistance until a good Samaritan step in as a mentor, encouraging her to earn an associate degree and later earn a bachelor’s degree from UMASS. Continuing her education, Arlene earned a master’s degree from UConn, becoming a license clinical social worker (LCSW). She worked diligently in various positions in Holyoke and Springfield for the Department of Children and Family Services. As Area Director in Springfield, Arlene retired after 32 years. However, she continued to help children and families in numerous capacities.
Arlene enjoyed sports, music, dancing, traveling on cruises and hosting her younger cousins that loved fishing and the new england summers. She loved playing tennis with the neighbors. Like all of the Davis clan women, Arlene was a great cook and shared her love of cooking with family on vacations to Myrtle Beach.

Arlene enjoyed spending time supporting her DCF children and family members. Arlene loved to volunteer and recruit foster parents.

Arlene was a long-time Arie member (17 years) of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Number 148. She contributed significantly to the community outreach in the Mason Square area. Over the years, Arlene served in various positions and on several committees. Her last position held was chaplain.

Oldest son, Archie received support from Arlene during his junior high school days, while competing in basketball and table tennis. Like his mother, Archie earned an associate degree and recently authored, “Non-Profit Gold”. Gail attended The Technical High School and worked in management in the food service industry. All three children were track and field standouts, however they could never out sprint Arlene. She took pride in challenging and besting her children in each and every outing.

Arlene made a point of helping her son Rodney use her vehicle to attend college at Western New England University, work and to compete in wrestling. One of her greatest highlights was attending the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, to witness Rodney achieve the bronze medal in Greco Roman Wrestling. Arlene, Aunt Burnisteen and others family members also attended the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games where Rodney was chosen as Team Captain. After their first date at the White House, Rodney and Olympic bronze medalist and 5-time Hall of Famer, Sharon Jewell, hosted the family in Atlanta and in Massachusetts at Rodney’s multiple Hall of Fame Inductions. Following in her academic footsteps, Arlene encouraged both to achieve numerous master’s degrees.

Arlene is survived by her Aunt Burnisteen Coleman, who raised “took care of” her from an early age and served as a mother, big sister and auntie. She is also survived by her three beloved children: Archie Jr., Gail Smith-McAuley and Rodney (Sharon), all of Massachusetts. She leaves 2 grandsons: Michael(Heather) and Miles (Alex) Jackson, 6 great grandchildren: Chaiya, Maliqe, Mikhai, Talashia, Miles Jr. and Talia, and one great, great grandson, Messiah. She also leaves 4 lovely ladies and 1 gentleman that helped to create her legacy: Chymia, Monique, Tashea, Alex and Nyshawn. Arlene will be missed by a whole host of multi-generational cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Yvette, Archie Smith Sr., BFF Kenny Westbrook, brothers-in-law Elmore and Alfred Smith, sister-in-law Vivian Smith Freeman, son-in-law Robert McAuley, daughter-in-law, Crystal, 7 aunts and uncles, and several first cousins.
Memorial donations may be made to:

1) The Arlene Smith, Against All Odds Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 91375
Springfield, MA 01139

And /or

2) In Memory of Arlene Smith
Rays of Hope Walk and Run on October 19, 2025
raysofhope@baystatehealth.org
(413) 794-8001

The funeral services will be held on March 25, 2025 at New England Funeral and Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA, beginning with a period of visitation from 10:00AM-11:00AM and a memorial service from 11:00AM-12:30PM. Inurnment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay Street, Springfield, MA.