Geneva "Jenny" Harshaw

Geneva “Jenny” Harshaw was born to the late Harold and Bernice Cowan Smith of McRae, Arkansas, on May 2, 1937. She was the “peacekeeper” and the second eldest daughter of twelve children.

Jenny graduated from the White County Training School. She was a proud alumna and attended the annual reunions until her health failed. She was employed by Buck Powell and Andersons Restaurant, the Beebe School District, and Arkansas State University.

Jenny was a woman of strong faith and a devoted member of the Beebe Church of Christ. She was known for her sweet spirit and loving heart, truly someone who never met a stranger. Jenny had a way of making everyone feel like family, often giving selflessly and even the shirt off her back to anyone in need.

Jenny loved her family fiercely and was a mother not only to her own children but to many others throughout her life. She found joy in caring for her home, cooking meals, keeping things in order, and making sure those around her were taken care of. If she had a hot comb in her hand, you knew you were about to leave greased up and looking your best.

Jenny leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Genice Edwards of Beebe, Arkansas; sons, Kirby Wayne (Katrina) Armstrong of Aubrey, Texas, and Karl Alonzo (Delinda) Armstrong of Alexandria, Virginia; a special nephew, Mitchell Glenn Neely of Beebe, Arkansas; grandchildren, Karl Alonzo Armstrong Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, Austin Lane Armstrong of Humble, Texas, Dr. Geneshia Shalane Edwards of Little Rock, Arkansas, Kirby Delaine (Ronja) Armstrong of Stuttgart, Germany, and Klarke Elisa and Charlee Allyssa-Lu Armstrong of Alexandria, Virginia; as well as one great-grandchild, Benedict Alonso Armstrong-Peper of Alexandria, Virginia.

Jenny was preceded in death by her parents; son, Gordon Lane Smith; brothers, Albert Smith Sr. and Thomas Harold Smith; and sisters, Mary Alice Hood and Bonnie Lou Stoltz.

Jenny is survived by her siblings Ruby Nell Turner of Searcy, Arkansas; Alma Jean Washington of Carlisle, Arkansas; Mildred Brown of Kensett, Arkansas; Linda Kay Frierson of Beebe, Arkansas; Judy Ann Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas; Richard Kirk Smith of Kensett, Arkansas; and Barbara Jean Brown of Wyoming, Delaware; sister-in-law, Rosie Smith of Beebe, Arkansas; along with extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

Although Jenny will be missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is being reunited with several of her dog track and casino buddies: Tiger and Mickey Shelton, Georgia Bell Jackson, Anna Lou DeBose, and her favorite running buddy, Lucille Hood.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her daughter, Genice Edwards and granddaughter Dr. Geneshia Shalane Edwards, whose love, tireless care, and deep devotion brought comfort and strength throughout her life.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home, 2616 South Main Street, Searcy, Arkansas 72143, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM. This date would have marked Jenny’s 89th birthday, a reminder that while her life on earth has ended, her life in eternity has just begun. Burial will be at Beebe Cemetery on Lemon Street in Beebe, Arkansas, with a repast at the Beebe Church of Christ, located at 1906 West Center, Beebe, Arkansas 72012. Arrangements are by Searcy McEuen Funeral Home, www.searcymceuenfuneralhome.com.