LONNA EVELYN SMITH
1943 - 2008
Lonna Evelyn Smith was born on May 1, 1943 in Merced, California to Lonnie Lionel Smith and Vallerie Juanita Grayson who preceded her in death. She was the first grandchild in both families Her family moved to Riverside, California where she graduated from Polytechnic High School June 14, 1961. This date was very significant in her life as her youngest son, Jason walked across the very same stage, some 37 years later, June 14, 1998.
After graduating from high school, Lonna moved back to Merced where she played softball with the infamous Merced Sweethearts, an all girl fast pitch team The team was managed by her uncle, Bill Hanson, and everyone was related in one way or another Not one to settle down, Lonna has lived from one end of California to the other including San Jose, Riverside, Lompoc, Santa Maria, Fresno and Merced; finally adventuring out of state, to Las Vegas, NV.
Lonna Ieaves to cherish her memory: a son, Eric Lawrence of Perris CA, daughter, Traci Daniels of Riverside CA, daughter, Eboni Stringer of Santa Maria CA, and son, Jason Lawrence of Columbus OH. She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Eric Lawrence, Jr, Jovanni Holloway, Alexus & Alexander Daniels, Jazmyne Lawrence, and Monét Munoz.
Lonna has left a void in the lives of her sisters and brother, Flo (Curtis) Gordon of Santa Maria CA, Richard Smith of Reno NV, Kathleen (Alric) Pugh of Roswell NM and Vallerie (Eric) Moore-Belt of Penn Valley CA. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
As the sun began to set on Tuesday, February 27, 2008, along with Lonna's passing, our dear Big Mama, Elizabeth Smith passed away in Merced CA at 3:00 p.m., also. On her way to Heaven, she stopped by to comfort Lonna so she could have a traveling companion and not be alone. They will be truly missed.
Viewing will be held on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, 1003 E Stowell Rd, Santa Maria CA 93454. Services will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.at True Vine Bible Fellowship, 533 S. Avalon Street, Lompoc CA 93437. Lonna loved the ocean, the color red, listening to Al Green's music and collecting turtle figurines. She couldn't swim a bit, and hated crossing bridges, but would spend many hours just sitting on the beach watching the waves. .Her last wish was to be cremated. In keeping with Lonna's wishes, there will be a memorial trip and commitment of her ashes in the Pacific Ocean at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the following: True Vine Bible Fellowship, 533 S. Avalon St, Lompoc CA 93436, Hospice Partners of the Central Coast or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and Crematory.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463
This obituary was originally published in the Santa Maria Times.
Dear Friends & Family,
On behalf of our family, I want to truly express my greatful appreciation for each card, flower, plate of food, phone call, visit, prayers and support we all received.
As you know, Lonna wished to be cremated. This will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2009 in Morro Bay. (2009 not 2008), by the way of a short Lunch/Dinner cruise. More information will be available when everything is finalized.
Flo Gordon
March 11, 2008 | Santa Maria, CA
Family....
I miss you all and I love you all so much!! I just want to let you know that I am here...if you need anything I am here. Now and forever!
We had great times as kids...I remember we used to all sit around the table w/Auntie Lonna eating baked potatoes with tons of butter and seasoning salt. I miss her..I love her...I love you all. Please accept my condolences from my family to yours.
Love always,
Tim, Keyanna, De'Ago, Dominic and Darrius Siddons.............
Keyanna Siddons
March 07, 2008 | San Antonio, TX
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Beverly Brumfield
March 07, 2008 | Riverside, CA
Rick,
I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in our prayers. My mom sends her heartfelt sympathy and wants you to know you are in her prayers. May the peace of God be upon you, your joy come from His strength, and find comfort in your family and fond memories of your loving sister Lonna. God bless you,
Bridgette
Bridgette Williams
March 07, 2008 | Sacramento, CA
Eboni, Traci, Jason, Eric, and family,
Your mom's life touched us in such a very special way. Hanging out with all of you was so much fun. I remember all the special occasions we spent together and the joy and laughter she brought to every event. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be upon you and the joy of the Lord be your strength. May you take comfort in one another, peace in knowing she's with God, and joy in the wonderful memories you have of her. You are all in our...
Bridgette Williams
March 07, 2008 | Sacramento, CA
Dear Flo and Family:
I hope it helps to know that you have a multitude of friends (and sorority sisters) who keep you in their thoughts and prayers as you comfort one another during this difficult time. I'm confident Lonna is with our Lord now, and at peace.
Thank you for sharing some of your memories of Lonna with me the weekend you got the call that she had been taken to the hospital! I know you were a true blessing to her all of her life, but never more so than during the last...
Pat Fairbanks
March 07, 2008 | Arroyo Grande, CA
Lonna,
You were the first born and you are now reunited with your mother, father and grandmothers, give everyone a hug and keep your arms around us here cause we will miss you dearly. God speed.
Marva Tomlinson
March 05, 2008 | Berkeley, CA
