Christina Arnold and Rayford Jarod Smith, III

Today, we come together to rejoice and not mourn but celebrate the life of a loving mother and child. Lives both taken too soon.

Christina Dell Arnold was born on January 12, 1996 to Jerry Christopher Arnold Sr. And Shakilia Johnson. From that day forward, she was known to be the light of her father’s life. Anyone that knew Christina knew she loved her family, but hands down, she was and always will be a Daddy’s girl.

Christina began her young life in Hemphill, Texas surrounded by an abundance of family and friends. She later moved to Lufkin, Texas and attended Pineywoods academy where she excelled in computer skills and Spanish.  As a young child CHRISTINA was always an overachiever. The family later moved back to San Augustine, where CHRISTINA attended middle school and high school. While there CHRISTINA was a member of many accelerated academic programs as well as a member of the dance team after graduation CHRISTINA started out on her adult journey through life and was gifted the most precious gift that one could only hope to  receive from God her firstborn son.  Later in life she was blessed to have three additional sons. Life for CHRISTINA at times was not easy, but she would  go out of her way to give you her last and out of her way to put a smile on your face, even though she was holding back her own tears. If it’s one thing to be said about CHRISTINA it’s “she loved her boys through all the ups and downs through all the dark days. When all is said and done one thing that  will forever be known is she loved her boys. CHRISTINA made many friends and touch many hearts in her short life as said before she was a daddy‘s girl, whether it be under a car or just handing him a tool she was always going to be by her daddy side. She may have been a tomboy as a child and grew into a beautiful woman and mother, but one thing that never changed was her love for her family. Nothing can take away the pain of losing CHRISTINA and as much as we hate to see her go, we have to remember it’s all in God‘s plan CHRISTINA  you will forever be missed. Won’t a day go by that a heart that you have touched won’t feel pain from your absence but when you get to heaven just remember you have a village of family there waiting on you with open arms.

Words From Her Father

“Chrissy brought joy to my life from the night she was born. Always had a good attitude towards others, no matter what she was going through. She loved her pawpaw and as a child, she was always by my side, in the garage,  whether it be under a car,  or just playing in the yard .The day she moved to Jasper it took a big piece of my heart away. She will always be my big head little girl, and nothing can take away the pain of losing her. I love you Christina and I know, although they are sad you joined them so early, I know that your heavenly family are glad to see you.”

Words From Her Mother

“From the day she was born, I knew she was a daddy’s girl and there was nothing changing that. My baby girl loved unconditional, and if she loved you, your problems were now her problems. She worried so much about others that she rarely took time for herself. It was no secret me my daughter used to go back and forth. But it was only because I loved her and I wanted her to realize her worth. I carried her for 9 months and then between me and her dad, we watched her grow from our little Chrissy into being known to her friends as Christina or Dell to some. Then to being known as Mama to four handsome young men . But one thing  will never change, she will forever be my babygirl.” Rest Easy Beautiful We Got It From Here..

Words from her Cousin

Jasmine Randolph

“What a blessing and honor it has been to have you in my life and watch you grow from a baby that I would hold in my lap to this brilliant young woman you became. All the memories and laughs we had together will forever be cherished. Thank you for giving us the boys; may you live on through Kadence, Karsen, and Kareem. Get your rest my beautiful babies. I love you both.”

Words from her sister-in -law Rayana Smith

“Me and Christina became close after my brother junior died , we were together everyday literally every single day you would not see us without each other. I truly gained a sister, I cherish every moment me and her was able to have . I will always love Christina and cherish all our special moments together, being with her everyday healed me in ways I can’t imagine and I know it healed her as well . We motivated each other so much ! I will never find another friend or SISTER like her … I will miss her everyday and cherish her every day !”

Christina is accompanied in death by her son, Rayford Jarod Smith III.

She was preceded in death by her partner, Rayford Jarod Smith Jr, her grandfather Aubrey Morris, of Hemphill, Texas  Her Aunt Kimberly Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas, and her uncle Paul Johnson of Dallas, Texas

Christina leaves behind to cherish her memory Her Three Sons Kadence Edwards, Karsen Edwards, and Austin Smith of Jasper, Texas, Her Mother, Shakilia Johnson and Chris Hardin of Waco, Texas her Father Jerry Christopher Arnold Sr and wife Elizabeth of Lufkin, Texas Siblings, Jaylyn Arnold of Lufkin, Texas and Jerry  Arnold Jr. Of Hudson, Texas, Cousin, Jasmine Randolph of Nacogdoches, Texas Grandmothers; Priscilla, Morris of San Augustine, Texas, Linnie Arnold of Nacogdoches, Texas,

Mother in law, Angela Vidito and husband Juan of Jasper, Texas,, Father in law, Rayford Smith Sr and wife Michelle, of Beaumont, Texas, and a host of extended family and friends

With broken hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved son, grandson, and shining light, Rayford Jarod Smith III, who left this world far too soon on July 8, 2025, at the tender age of four.

Rayford, affectionately known as “Three” or “Third,” brought joy, laughter, and boundless love to everyone lucky enough to know him. With eyes full of wonder and a smile that could melt even the hardest days, he radiated warmth, curiosity, and a gentle spirit wise beyond his years.

Whether he was zooming his toy trucks across the floor, dancing to his favorite songs, or lighting up the room with his laughter, Rayford reminded everyone so much of his daddy, Rayford Jr. He had his father’s charm, his playful spirit, and a smile that could shift the mood of an entire room. There was something in his eyes, his little expressions, and even the way he carried himself  it was like a piece of his dad was still here through him. He gave the best hugs  the kind that lingered and made everything feel okay, even on the hardest days. Though his time was short, Rayford carried a legacy of love, strength, and light that will live on forever.

He was small in size but enormous in soul. In just four short years, Rayford taught us what it means to love fully, to laugh freely, and to cherish every moment.

He is survived by his loving grandparents, Juan Vidito (Angela) and Rayford Smith Sr. (Michelle); Jerry Christopher Arnold Sr. (Elizabeth); Shakilia Johnson (Chris Hardin) his devoted siblings, Selena, Kenzie, Rayana Smith, Austin Smith, Kadence, and Karsen Edwards; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends who adored him beyond measure.

Rayford is now cradled in the arms of his beloved parents, Rayford Smith Jr. and Christina Arnold, reunited in peace and eternal love. Though his time with us was brief, his light will shine in our hearts forever. We will remember Rayford’s laughter, his kindness, and the way he made the world brighter just by being in it.

Rest in peace, sweet baby boy. You are loved endlessly and always will be by everyone who had the blessing of knowing you.

Services will be on Saturday July 19, 2025 at Westlake Missionary Baptist Church in Jasper Tx. 3193 Fm 3414, Jasper, TX -  Jasper County. The viewing will begin at 11 am with the funeral to start at 1 pm. If you would like to send flowers or cards For Christina and her Son they can be sent to Riley’s funeral home in Woodville Texas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christina Arnold and Rayford Jarod Smith, III, please visit our floral store.