On Sunday, July 2, 2023, Evelyn “Marie” Silva, 79 of Fort Smith, went home to be with Jesus after a lengthy and brave battle with dementia. Born September 9, 1943 in Dyess, Arkansas, she is the daughter of the late Lillian Ruth and James B. Parker of Newport, AR. After graduating from Newport High School, she met her beloved husband of 59 years, Massie B. Silva while working as a telephone switchboard operator.
Marie, a celebrated wife, mother, and devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Smith for over 30 years, served her family tenaciously at every turn. When most relished retirement, she focused her heart instead on raising her grandchildren as her very own children, joyfully championing the long line of love. A celebrated Master Gardner, she savored her time in the kitchen while living to serve others graciously with effervescent sincerity. Her warm smile and generous spirit welcomed all.
Marie is preceded in death by her parents, sister Sue Stout, and three brothers: Ernie, Robert, and Kim Daniel. Marie is survived by sister Jo Ann Hendrix of Kansas City, MO, and brother Danny (Glenda) Daniel of Alma, AR. She is also survived by her husband Massie of Fort Smith and leaves behind the couples’ legacy in three children: Leslie Silva-Wilson of Fort Smith, AR; Joe (Michelle) Silva of Hackett, AR; Paul Silva of Fayetteville, AR as well as five grandchildren: Sarah Silva (Rob Beach) of Nashville, TN; Elizabeth (Logan) Bennett of Perryville, MO; Aaron Silva of Jacksonville, AR; Mason Silva of Fayetteville, AR; and Rachel Silva of Hackett, AR. She leaves behind her final blessings in three great-grandchildren: Redding and Mae Moon Beach of Nashville, TN; and Elsie Bennett of Perryville, MO.
The celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 7th at Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith, AR, 201 N 12th St. Visitation is planned for Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00 pm at Edwards. Marie will be interred at Roselawn Cemetery immediately following the Friday service. Pall bearers are Mason Silva, Aaron Silva, Rob Beach, Logan Bennett, Ed Nunley, and Bill Graham, and honorary pall bearer: Sarah Silva.
Charitable donations may be made in Marie’s honor to the 1st Choice Pregnancy Medical Center, 4622 Grand Ave Fort Smith, AR 72904; Sebastian Co. 4-H Foundation, P.O. Box 23801, Barling, AR 72923; or The Sebastian Co. Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 180279, Fort Smith, AR 72918.
