Helen Guenveur Smith

1923 - 2018

Helen Guenveur Smith obituary, 1923-2018, Los Angeles, CA

Helen Guenveur Smith

1923 - 2018

Helen Smith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Sep. 7 to Sep. 9, 2018.
August 3, 1923 - August 31, 2018 Helen Guenveur Smith, a pioneering dentist and community activist, died August 31, 2018, at the age of 95. Dr. Smith, a longtime Los Angeles resident, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to Lauretta Goodall Guenveur and Edward Leon Guenveur, Sr. She studied at Xavier University of Louisiana, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, and did postgraduate work at the University of California. In Berkeley, she started her 50 years of private practice and, in 1954, married Attorney Sherman W. Smith, Sr. After moving to Los Angeles, the couple built the historic Palm Vue Motel, where "people of all races are welcome" and, in 1960, cofounded the New Frontier Democratic Club. She was also a founder of the Watts Health Foundation, providing dental services there for two decades. Her husband and a son, Sherman W. Smith, Jr., who both served on the Superior Court bench, predeceased her, as did a sister, Louise Guenveur Streat. She is survived by her son Roger (LeTania), daughter Louise (Barbara), daughter-in-law Sallie, brother Edward Leon Guenveur, Jr., sisters Anna Guenveur Newman and Ruth Guenveur Mikell, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. A Mass will be celebrated in her honor at the Church of the Transfiguration, 2515 W. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. in Los Angeles, on Monday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Helen Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 6, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2018

Dawoud Bey posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2018

Swanda Majette posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2020

Dear Louise,
I'll never forgot your mom's gumbo.
A life well lived.
My heart goes out to you and Roger.
Eva

Dawoud Bey

September 12, 2018

Roger: Condolences and much love to you and the family on the passing of your mother. Her spirit shall live on and is very much a part of each of you and all who knew and loved her. May her spirit soar.

Swanda Majette

September 11, 2018

Louise and Roger, I was so sorry to hear of Helen passing. The first thing that came to me was the conversation she and Louise along with your dad
was having about that time, the hugs and kisses and joy to be together once again. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

September 11, 2018

Dear Roger, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You & your family are in my thoughts.
Very best, Julia

September 10, 2018

My condolences for your loss.

Denise DAugherty Grant Orso

September 10, 2018

Dear family,
Saddens me to hear of the lost of your loved one.May the God of All Comfort be with you and your family during this difficult time. (Isaiah 60:20)

Marla Paillet

September 10, 2018

My deepest condolences to your family.

September 9, 2018

Please accept our condolences for your loss. What an extraordinary and woman your mother was. Jenny, Madeleine and RJ

Ocean Breeze Spray

Kim Kupferer

Sent Flowers

Cynthia Busby

September 9, 2018

Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your Mom. Thank you for sharing all the magnificent things she did in her life...parent, wife, businesswoman. Much of what she accomplished was just unheard of back in those days. She open the doors for a lot of people.May you all cherish the wonderful memories as you celebrate her grand life!Cynthia and Brittany Busby

Brigit Mac

September 8, 2018

To Roger G. Smith and family my sincere condolences for yout loss. May she rest in Heavenly Peace! Your Dear Friend Brigit Mac

Rosie Chili

September 8, 2018

My condolences to the family. May she Rest in Paradise...

September 8, 2018

She sounds like an exceptional woman, i would expect nothing less, as your mom, Roger...She had a long, impactful run...god speed

Sorcha Fox

September 8, 2018

So sorry for your loss, Roger and family. Sincere condolences

Nina Smith

September 7, 2018

Thank you for your friendship and influence dear Helen. May your journey be gentle.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Helen Smith's name

How to support Helen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Helen Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Helen Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 6, 2020

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2018

Dawoud Bey posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2018

Swanda Majette posted to the memorial.