Linetta Smith

Linetta Smith, a cornerstone of love and selflessness in her community, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 13, 2025, in her hometown of Niles, Michigan. Born on June 17, 1948, to the late George Truvillion and Mae Oma (Nicks) Pritchett, Linetta's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the joy she found in service to others.
A proud graduate of Niles High School, Linetta's nurturing spirit led her to a fulfilling career as a bus driver for Dial-A-Ride and Tri-County Head Start. She dedicated many years to ensuring the safe transportation of the children in her care, treating each one with love and attention as if they were her own. No distance was too far.she drove many of the McAfee children to and from their colleges of choice and enjoyed serving as the "chauffeur" for Mother Alice McAfee! Linetta's commitment to the well-being of others extended beyond her professional life as she was a lifelong member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Niles. She was baptized at the age of eight and began her Christian journey. She shared her faith and love by singing in the choir and working with the Willing Worker's Ministry, strengthening the bonds of her church family and others with her service, wisdom and faith.
Linetta's heart was always on the playing field, whether it was competing in bowling (Mom's Girls & Barb's Girls), basketball, or softball, as a spirited coach of Cannady's Music Team and Sheller-Globe softball team. Her passion for sports was unmatched, especially when it came to supporting her children and grandchildren. Linetta's enthusiastic cheering was a common sight at their games, sometimes so fervent that referees would kindly ask her to temper her excitement causing her and Gloria to be evicted from many games! Her presence on the sidelines was a source of motivation and a reflection of her deep love for her family. Her love and kindness reached far and wide, touching countless hearts and lives throughout her journey.
Her marriage to Bruce Smith was blessed with four children who survive her: Daryl (Toyia) Smith of Locust Grove, Georgia; Mae Lynn (Michelle) Smith of Niles; Rodney Lee (Shelly) Smith of Dowagiac; and Isaac Shawn (Stacey) Smith of South Bend. Linetta's legacy continues through her twenty-one grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored with all her heart.
Linetta was the beloved sister of Gloria (Miles) Stansberry of Sodus, Leonard Truvillion of Cassopolis, Rachel Phillips of South Bend, Trenda Thompson of Pearl, MS, James Thompson Jr. of Champlin, MN, and Georgianna Thompson of Pearl, MS. She also leaves behind a bonus nephew and nieces Bernard Truvillion, Jr. of Colorado, Bernadette Lattimore, of Chicago, Odessa Parkinson of Atlanta, and Bernessa (Barron) Skinner, of Chicago, a cherished Goddaughters, Kyra Clark of Buchanan and Monica Merritt-Caradine, of Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and awesome friends!
Preceding her death were her parents: George Truvillion and Mae Oma Prichett; Paternal Grandparents: Peter Truvillion and Emma Truvillion-Winchester; Maternal Grandparents: Thomas F. Nicks and Rosie Lee Nicks-Haynes; brothers: Bernard Truvillion, Sr., Anthony and Michael Thompson (twins deceased at birth); Uncles: Cleopher, Thomas and Lee Nicks; and her best friends: Barbara Clark and Cathy Hankerson.
Linetta's life was a living example of the words that best describe her: loving, faith-filled, and selfless. She gave of herself without expectation, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her unwavering support and unconditional love created an enduring impact on everyone she met. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Linetta Smith was a beacon of love and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her light, though no longer present on this earth, will continue to shine brightly through the lives of her family and through the many people she has influenced. Rest in peace, dear Linetta, until we meet again.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saint. Psalm 116:15
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