Viola Margie Mae (Smith) Connelly, 93, of Pocola, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, at Pocola Health & Rehab, surrounded by her loving family.
Viola was born on October 16, 1932, in Cameron, Oklahoma, to Frank and Anna (Campbell) Smith. Known affectionately as “Dinkie,” she was a beloved mother, mema, meme, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
Family was at the heart of Dinkie’s life. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and would move mountains for them. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved, whether she was sewing quilts, tending her vegetable and flower gardens, raising chickens, dining out, short drives or simply enjoying the company of family. Those who knew her will remember a strong and feisty woman with a wonderful sense of humor and a deep, unwavering love for her family.
She is survived by her children, Frankie Ann Connelly; Jacky Connelly and his wife, Belinda; Levada Luper and her husband, Michael; and Kimberley Renfro and her husband, Timothy.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brandi Hendricks and her husband, Matthew; Brandon Luper and his wife, Erika; Jacee Banning and her husband, Caleb; Stephen Luper; Darrien Thomas; Forever Nicole Renfro; Amanda Luper; Ryder Renfro; and Rindi Beth Renfro; as well as her great-grandchildren, Tristan Hendricks, Tatum Banning, Maelee Banning, and Anders Luper.
Dinkie is further survived by her brother, W.R. “Babe” Smith and his wife, Pat; her sister-in-law, Betty Sue Seigmund and her husband, Emil; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Connelly; her son, William Ray Connelly; her parents, Frank and Anna Smith; her sisters, Nora Perkins and Cora Cook; her brothers, Elmer Smith and Billy Jack Smith; and several cherished nieces, nephews, and other family members.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 17, 2026, at Fairhill “Knothole” Cemetery in Oklahoma, with her granddaughter, Brandi Hendricks, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Frank Perkins, Timothy Renfro, and Michael Luper.
Dinkie’s strength, laughter, and fierce love will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.
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