Margaret Louise Smith

Margaret L. Smith was born on September 4, 1940, in Neelyville, MO, to Tom Cornelius Porter Sr. and Veary Lee (Mays) Porter. She was the second child of five children.

On April 17, 1965, Margaret married Richard H. G. “Buddy” Smith. To this union five children were born. They shared 22 blissful years of holy matrimony together; he affectionately always called her, "Honey".

She was educated in the Kansas City Public School District, proudly attending Lincoln High School.

At an early age, Margaret accepted Christ and was baptized at Mt. Nebo Church. She was a devoted member of Spruce St. Matthew Baptist Church for 27 years until she united with Macedonia Church in 2022 with her family. 

Margaret had a beautiful and blessed ministry, which included crocheting "love blankets", which she gifted anonymously to young women in the church and the community. There was no charge for these blankets because they were given in LOVE. She was also known for faithfully passing out "church mints".

Margaret had a strong work ethic during her 21 years at Milbank Manufacturing, where she held numerous positions. She was the First Female Lead Machine Operator. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to her work in a nursing home, a luggage factory, and various other jobs. She often unknowingly sacrificed her physical well-being to help provide for her family.

Known for her genuine kindness, Margaret never met a stranger and judged no one. She loved gardening, crocheting, adopting multiple children from the community, as well as, had a love for sports. She was featured twice on FOX4 for her love of the Kansas City Chiefs and the love of crocheting.

We are grateful to God for allowing Margaret to build an eighty-five-year legacy. Her life had an impact on those around her.

On May 13, 2026, Margaret was called from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; and two sisters, Mary Lee Draper and Mayetta Young.

Left to cherish Margaret's sweet memory: her children; Martez Smith, Marcus Smith (Nichole), Latricia “Sissy” Smith, Yolanda “Shawn” Smith, Robin Fry (Kent); one brother, Tom Porter Jr.; and one sister, Mildred Torrence, all of Kansas City, MO; fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a host of loving relatives and friends.