Arnita Helen Smith

Arnita Helen Smith “Nita Baby” was born October 7, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri to Nathaniel Kelley and Blanche Thomas. She attended Lincoln High School in Kansas City, Missouri and received her high school diploma from Thompson High School. Early in life Arnita was baptized to receive Christ as her savor. As she matured within her Christian walk and later became the mother of Starlight Non-Denominational Church for 16 years before moving to Soar Non-Denominational Church for 5 years.

Arnita began working at Osteopathic Hospital as an ER registration receptionist for 15 years. She then worked at Samuel Rodgers health center for 10 additional years in medical records. She continued her career in medical records for Truman Medical Center for 12 years before retiring. Arnita was very active in her community by feeding the homeless, from which she received pleasure for many years.

Arnita received her wings on March 31, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Smith, her mother, Blanche Greenwood, her father, Nathaniel Kelley, grandson, Corey Hawkins, and two sisters: Loretta Gillard and Deloras Chatman.

Arnita leaves to cherish her four children: Jacqueline (Gregory) Owens, Thomas (Alexa) Turner, Deitra Turner, Reva (Louis) Branch; her three siblings: Roxann (Gerald) May, Maurice (Cythina) Sykes, and Leroy Sykes; 16 grandchildren: ShaQuanna Turner, LaKecia Turner, Yvonne Turner, Robert (Jazmine) Mercado, Mikilia Turner, Tyesha Franklin, Teaira Turner, Tom’Nesha Turner, Kur’Taz Wright, Ziaire Turner, Bobby Jr. (Tierra) Ruff, Jacqueline Bowen, Quin’Trell Robinson, Marshion Croom, Shawntearia Hunt, and Journee Thomas; 30 great grandchildren; a childhood best friend of 70+ years Brenda Marti; a very dear friend of 48+ years, Andrew Cunningham, a host of other friends, nieces and nephews.