Karla Rae Smith

Karla Rae Smith, 79 of Mattoon, IL went to her Heavenly Home at 9:03 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care Center, surrounded by her loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 12, 2025 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Dick Miller will officiate. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Karla was born on February 8, 1946 in Tuscola, IL, to Truman Estes and Wanda Louise (Lytle) Cloyd. She married Randall Eugene Smith on February 15, 1964 in Cooks Mills, IL. He passed away on November 5, 2007.

She is survived by four children, Todd Smith (Heather) of Lerna, IL, Ryan Smith (Desiree) of Vienna, IL, Stacey Morlen (Melvin) of Anchor Point, AK, Tami Jennings (Troy) of Mattoon, IL, eight grandchildren, Lane, Logan Plummer, Adalyn Smith, Andrew and Anthony Bunyard, Karsha and Zachary Jennings, and Kannon Smith, three great grandchildren, Kale Bunyard, Zayden and Zander Jennings, and one more on the way, expected in November, two siblings, Linda Cloyd of Arcola, IL and Ron Cloyd (Chris) of Findlay, IL, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Truman Cloyd Jr., and three sisters, Sharon Williams, and infant sisters, Karen Cloyd and Sondra Lee Cloyd.

Karla worked many roles in her career, for over 30 years, Karla ran Karla’s Kurls Beauty Salon from her home in Cooks Mills. She worked at General Electric in Mattoon, IL, as a sitter at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care Center and also provided care as a caregiver in people’s homes for several years.

Karla had a passion for gardening, particularly with vegetables and flowers. Her favorite times were times spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her great happiness.

One of her proudest accomplishments was following Christ at the Kemp Church of Christ, a testament to her faith and commitment.

Memorials may be made to the American Liver Foundation.