Lenora Evelyn Smith

Lenora Evelyn Smith (née Youngblood), age 101, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on November 6, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas. Born on November 11, 1923, in Coolidge, Texas, Lenora lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, family, and service. As the oldest child, Lenora had many responsibilities and played a motherly role to her younger siblings because of her mother's illness.

Lenora graduated from Woodland High School in Coolidge, TX in 1940. She made a solitary migration from Mexia, TX to Kansas City, KS in 1944 being the first of her family to relocate. After arriving in Kansas and living with her aunt Dura Lee, she worked at the packing house until the war began after which she worked at the North American bombing plant. After saving enough for a down payment on a house, her mother and siblings soon followed her to Kansas City. Lenora met and married Lavern Joe Smith in 1946 and together they raised 4 children. There were not many opportunities for women of color in her time, so rather than continuing in domestic work, she pursued her passion for beauty and care by earning her certification in cosmetology at Sumner High School in 1965. With the loving support of her husband Joe-who built a salon for her in their basement-Lenora launched a successful career as a self-employed beautician. She worked tirelessly for over five decades, becoming not only an entrepreneur but also an innovator and trailblazer in her field.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lenora was deeply devoted to her spiritual calling. Baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1957, she dedicated nearly 70 years to preaching the good news. Her commitment led her to begin

serving as a full-time regular pioneer at age 81, which she continued for 10 years. Ever eager to reach more people with her message of hope, she took Spanish lessons at Kansas City Kansas Community College in her effort to share God's word with Spanish-speaking neighbors in her community.

Her home was a haven of warmth and hospitality. Known for her apple pies and chicken and dumplings, Lenora loved cooking for friends and family. She found joy in gardening, sewing, canning, and even upholstery-skills that reflected both her creativity and industrious spirit. Her grandchildren fondly remember evenings spent listening to stories from the yellow and red "My Book of Bible Stories", read lovingly by their grandmother before bedtime.

Lenora was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lavern Joe Smith; her parents Robert Grover and Beulah Youngblood; and seven siblings: Venora Isom, Ralph Youngblood Sr., Malissie Roberts, James Edward Youngblood, Johnny C. Youngblood, Freddie Youngblood, and Walter Youngblood.

She is survived by her youngest sister Billie Jean Mills; children Wayne Smith, Gerald Smith Sr., Glenda Muza (Monte), and Bridget Jackson; grandchildren Melika Brown (Gerald), Tracy Smith (Janelle), Gerald Smith Jr. (Brooke), Crystal Smith, Somilia Rabee Smith, Joseph Smith, Marlin Muza, Alayna Smith, Brionna Jackson, and Trevor Jackson; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

To those who knew her best-her family and friends-Lenora was a rock: steadfast in love, unwavering in faith, generous with her time and care. She embodied inner beauty through humility and modesty while radiating kindness outwardly. Her presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

May the memory of Lenora Evelyn Smith bring comfort to all who were touched by her life. A Memorial Service will be held on November 22, 2025, from 01:30 PM to 02:30 PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2729 Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, KS.