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.
Friend of family ,Baytown ,Texas
Reading this makes my heart smile. She seemed to have lived a beautiful life. And so encouraging to start pioneering at the age of 81. Proof that Jehovah uses us all at any age. She displayed her love and trust in him. Our condolences to you all. Looking forward to meeting her soon, just a little while longer
Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri
Deepest condolences to the Smith family! It was a honor to have known such a sweet lady đź’•
To the dear family and friends of Sister Smith, My heart goes out to you during this tender time. Reading about Sister Smith’s long life of faith, endurance, and generous love brings to mind the quiet strength Jehovah forms in those who lean on him. A life spent in loyal service—decades of preaching, pioneering at the age of 81, opening her home with warmth, and shaping generations with spiritual stories—leaves an imprint that doesn’t fade with time. It’s clear her example will continue to steady and inspire all who carry her memory. Jehovah never overlooks a life lived in faith. Jesus assured us, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), and that promise holds real weight when someone so cherished falls asleep in death. We are not left without hope. Isaiah 26:19 tenderly assures us, “Your dead will live… they will rise.” And Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted.” In moments like these, those words become more than verses—they become something you can lean on day by day. While the pain of loss is real, so is the certainty of Jehovah’s purpose. Sister Smith devoted her life to helping others learn about the future she confidently believed in. How fitting that we honor her by holding tight to that same hope. The time is coming when “death will be no more” (Revelation 21:4), and families will embrace one another again in perfect health and unending joy. Jehovah will remember every act of kindness, every hour in the ministry, every prayer she whispered, and he will restore what has been lost. Until that day, may Jehovah’s comfort be like a gentle hand on your shoulder. May your shared memories—her hospitality, her warmth, her spiritual conversations, her example of endurance—become small lamps that help you move forward with strength. You are in the thoughts and prayers of brothers and sisters who grieve with you and look toward the same bright promise. With heartfelt Christian love and sympathy, Kevin Guillory, Jr.
