Marilyn Y. Smith

Marilyn (Rhone) Smith, age 70, of Kansas City, Missouri, was born on May 18, 1955, and passed away peacefully surrounded by love.

Marilyn was a loving mother, devoted grandmother, caring sister, supportive aunt, and a cherished friend to many. She lived a life marked by kindness, faith, and a gentle spirit that touched everyone she encountered.

She was educated in the Kansas City Public School District, attending W.W. Yates Elementary School and graduating from Manual High School in 1974.

Marilyn began her professional career while still in high school, working at Southwestern Bell, where she remained for many years. She later worked as a circulation clerk at The Call Paper before finishing her career at James B. Nutter.

A woman of strong faith, Marilyn was a faithful member of Grace Temple under the leadership of Pastor Willie Thornton beginning in 2004. She later became a member of Grace and Truth Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Ray A. Stewart. She loved the Lord deeply and expressed her faith through her compassion, kindness, and unwavering love for others.

Marilyn found great joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. Her happiest times were spent celebrating birthdays and gathering with family. She enjoyed watching horror movies and could always appreciate a good laugh, especially while watching Dave Chappelle.

More than anything, Marilyn valued relationships. She was a true “sister-friend”, forming unbreakable bonds with those close to her. She loved wholeheartedly and will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and the love she gave so freely.

Her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in all who knew and loved her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her son, Willard Smith; her daughter, Vonita Smith (Andre); her beloved grandchildren, Kendra Mathis, Ronald Harris II, Robert Abbott III, Rylee Smith, Willsean Minor-Smith, and Kennedy Thomas; and her great-grandchildren, Karl Poplion and Kayson Ugwuh.

She is also survived by her sisters, Lavonne Rhone and Lynn (Lemon Shell) Beard; her brothers, Darnell Rhone, Lloyd Cooper Jr., Andre Beard, and Duane Beard (Teresa); her aunt, Bobbie Jean Campbell; and her nephews, Earl Anderson (Kalen) of Corpus Christi, TX, Dajuan Cooper, Ed'Ward F. Rhone (Erin) of Lancaster, CA, and Darnell E. Rhone (Brooke). She also leaves behind her lifelong friends, WC Beard, Delores Fortune, Susan Boles, Geneva Abbott of Jacksonville, FL, and Melissa Nance. Two bonus daughters: Barbara Minor and Latanya Villarreal of Clayton, NC, along with a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother, Stella Rhone; her father, Lloyd Cooper; her brothers, Claude Rhone, Darryl Rhone, and Frederick “Batman” Beard; her sister, Deidre Beard; and her nephews: Claude Rhone Jr., Michael Brown, and Lloyd Brown.