Earlean Smith

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 consistent 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.  

Celebration of Life will convene Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Harrison Funeral Chapel.  Interment will follow at Alton Cemetery.  Ledell Smith will eulogize.  Online registry is available at www.harrisonfuenralchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Harrison Funeral Chapel