Earlean "Lena" Smith

Earlean Smith Sunrise: May 8, 1959 Sunset: December 5, 2017 Earlean Smith, 58, was born on May 8, 1959 to Mathew Smith Sr. and Ollie B. “Clark” Smith in Hollandale, Mississippi. She was one of their fourteen children. She passed peacefully Tuesday, December 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. In 1966, the family moved to Alton, Illinois where Earlean was raised. She was a member of Bethesda Temple Church of Alton, Illinois. She also attended Alton Sr. High School. In 1982, the Lord blessed her with twins, Shina and Shannon. Earlean moved away from Alton, Illinois in pursuit of bigger and better opportunities. She lived briefly in San Clemente, California, Chicago, Illinois as well as Owensboro, Kentucky. As a family they settled in Lawrence, Kansas. She raised her family in Lawrence while working for various employers including Packer (Barry) Plastics until she resigned. In spite of persistent health issues, from Sickle Cell Anemia, Earlean continued to be devoted to her children. She made educating them her number one priority. While in Lawrence, Earlean became a dedicated member of New Vision Family Life Outreach Ministries. Her main passion was educating others on how to grow long, healthy hair. Another hobby that she enjoyed was sewing/upholstery. She enjoyed helping others, opening up her heart and home to those in need. In 2011 her adult children moved out of state. In 2012, she moved to Florida to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She was a loving and dedicated grandmother to her three grandchildren. While living in Winter Haven, Florida, she attended church at Winter Haven Worship Center. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: son: Shannon (Ashley) Smith of Lake Wales, Florida; daughter: Shina Smith of Winter Haven, Florida, grandchildren; Amari Smith, Amyra Smith and Ashlyn Smith; half-brother: David (Angie) Smith of California; Sister-in-law: Shirley Smith; and siblings: Queen Slater, Ledell Smith, Flossie B. Smith all of Alton, Illinois; Brenda (Tony) Venzen of Lawrence Kanas; Genary (Mark) Porter of Olathe, Kansas; Bruce Smith of Lawrence, Kansas; Sharon Smith of Kansas City, Missouri; and a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents: Mathew Smith Sr. and Ollie B. Smith; half-sister: Katherine Dillard: and siblings: Mathew Jr., Willie, Shelby, Shirley, Stanley, and Stacey Smith; Brother-in-law: Clarence Slater and Nephew: Allen Anthony Rice. Remember Me Remember me with smiles not tears, for all the joy, through all the years, Recall a “closeness” that was ours, A love as sweet as fragrant flowers. Don’t dwell on thoughts that cause you pain, We’ll see each other once again, I am at peace…try to believe, It was my time…I had to leave. But “what a view” I have from here, I see your face, I feel you near, I follow you throughout the day, You’re not alone along the way. And when God calls you…you will be, Right by my side…right here with me, Till then, I’ll wait by heaven’s door, We’ll be united…evermore! Genie Graveline

Earlean "Lena" Smith

May 8, 1959 - December 5, 2017