Tribute to Women: Erica Smith
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photo by shane darby.
“When we pour love and respect into others, our own cups are refilled.”
“If you ask my friends,” Erica Smith admitted, “[they will tell you] I’m too busy. But I only accept engagements/volunteer opportunities after seeking God’s okay first.”
Erica is the incoming president of the Junior League of Texarkana (JLT). “I joined because I wanted to meet and support the needs of my community,” she said. “I wanted to do something. I was invited to come to their spring recruitment [event] and listen in on what they are about. I was amazed at how much JLT is in the background of things that go on in the community. I went home, gushed about it to [husband] Tyrone, and prayed about it, and here I am—the incoming president, just as JLT is about to have its Centennial Celebration next February.”
A member of Christ Nations Church for the past 16 years, Erica is the leader over the Ushers & Greeters Ministry. “I love being able to welcome visitors and members with a warm hug, a bright smile, and even laughter,” she said. She is also a part of the Evangelism Team that brings “natural and spiritual food” to the Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter, as well as to the firehouse and local nursing homes.
Further, Erica is a founding member of the Texarkana Tea Party, an “amazing assembly of multicultural and multigenerational women of Texarkana who gather to make a positive impact on the immediate and crucial needs of our community, whether by engaging in charitable activities or making donations,” Erica explained. She is also a volunteer for the Tough Kookie Foundation and a certified yoga instructor at Vibe Yoga and Wellness Studio.
In addition, Erica holds a full-time job as a licensed and certified radiologic technologist (RT)—a role she has played for 28 years, the past 15 of which have been at Collum and Carney. This is not “just a day job” for Erica; she finds deep meaning in her work.
“I became an RT after my grandmother, Erma Rose, passed away from cancer, and then a fellow church member had a late diagnosis of cancer due to not having X-rays available in a timely manner,” she said. She wondered how things might have been different had she been an X-ray technician. Inspired, Erica pursued a career as an RT, and, fortunately, she loves it.
Erica and her husband, Tyrone, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 33 years. submitted photo.
“Every X-ray reveals something that assists in the care of a patient,” she said. “And, as a ‘prayer warrior,’ I’m offered an opportunity to pray with a patient and their family members. I may not have a comfortable X-ray table, but I want my patient to know that my heart feels for them and that I consider them just like family: they deserve the best X-rays I can get so that they may have the best foundation on which their medical team can determine the next course of action.”
Despite her full schedule, Erica does carve out free time—which she uses to make and sell waistbeads through her small business, Topaz Waistbeads. “Waistbeads are handcrafted glass strings of beads that women wear around their waistlines,” she explained. “They are a part of some African cultures, where women give them to other women as a sign of being on a journey alongside them. When I place my waistbeads on the women of this community, I speak to them, encourage them, empower them, celebrate them, recognize them, and even cry with them.”
Her waistbead practice does not drain Erica; rather, it energizes her. “When we pour love and respect into others, our own cups are refilled,” she said. “One of my sister-friends’ favorite sayings is, ‘Be blessed and a blessing.’ I try to live up to that as a motto.”
Erica is both blessed by and a blessing to her husband of 33 years, as well as her 20-year-old daughter, Olivia. Their support enables her to take on high-demand roles such as her upcoming Junior League presidency.
“I am honored to be the third elected African American JLT president in the organization’s 100 years,” she said. “I expect the eyes of the community to be watching—and I know God’s eyes have never left me.”
FSLM ASKED ERICA:
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I am an avid gardener and “plant mom.” I speak to them and sing to them. Everyone knows that, if anything happens to me, not to touch my plant babies; my momma will come get them.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a truck driver after I watched Smokey and the Bandit. As I got older, I wanted to be a librarian. I love to read, and the thought of keeping books in order—ahh!
What’s your favorite local place to spend time? Those closest to me, whom I call my sister-friends, and I meet up occasionally at Local Habit for coffee and five-hour chats. We normally stay until they close the doors and clear their throats for us to get out. Great coffee and great conversation.
HOW MELODIE WHITE SEES ERICA:
“Erica Smith has been a source of unwavering support and encouragement on my journey, and I am grateful to have met her through Junior League. She is a force of nature—full of energy, enthusiasm, and an undeniable love for life. Erica never shies away from a challenge; instead, she embraces it with confidence and determination. Her passion for empowering women to lead, learn, and grow is truly inspiring. She has a remarkable ability to lift others up, pushing them to recognize their own strengths and potential. Through her encouragement, I have felt more confident in my leadership and personal growth. Erica’s influence is a testament to the power of strong, supportive women, and I am honored to know her.”