EMIAL SMITH

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Emial "M.L." Smith, 70, of Portageville, Mo., died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

He was born Feb. 20, 1930, at Osceola, Ark., son of Robert and Lucille Casey Smith.

He was a retired truck driver and a member of the Travelers Rest Baptist Church of Sikeston. He lived in Missouri for over 45 years.

Survivors include four sons, Sidney and James Smith of Parkin, Ark., Ricky Smith of St. Louis and Devon Smith of Sikeston; a daughter, Barbara Aleem of Wynne, Ark.; two sisters, Elizabeth West and Fannie Townsend of Portageville; nine grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

Friends may call from noon until 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Travelers Rest Baptist Church.

Funeral will be held at 1 p.m. at the church. The Rev. Sylvester Morgan will officiate. Burial will be in Simmons Park Cemetery at Catron, Mo.

Williams-Farr and Purnell Funeral Home of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.