Venetta Bryant-Smith

Venetta Bryant Smith was born on July 14, 1958 in Kansas City, Missouri to Levi Bryant, Sr. and Martha (Houston) Bryant.

She was preceded in death by her father, Levi Bryant, Sr., mother, Martha Bryant; brothers, Joseph Bryant, Phillip Bryant aka “Doc”, Levi Bryant, Jr., aka “Butch”, Bishop Leroy Bryant, and

Vonzell Bryant aka “Captain Vonzell.

Venetta grew up in Kansas City, MO., attending Phillis Wheatley Elementary School and graduating from Lincoln High School. She went on to further her education in Management, eventually becoming the owner of “Sister’s of Love Preschool” where she obtained the name,

“Ms. Venetta”. Venetta nurtured many children in her preschool for years. She taught them how to respect each other, live, laugh and love. She was firm in teaching her children the basics in education and went far and beyond to help them and their parents.

Venetta worked various jobs before becoming an entrepreneur. (i.e., KCPD Parking Control Officer, Metro Bus Driver, just to name a few).

Venetta was a true born-again Christian, ordained Evangelist and loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith in God and love for the Lord inspired, encouraged and touched many lives. Years ago she joined the Greater Corinthian Non-Denomination Church, under Pastor Raymond Davis, Jr. As time went on, she continued to grow in the Lord. She joined the Mount Carmel MB Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Frank Williams.

Here Venetta became an active member and served as an Adult Sunday School Teacher, served on the Mother Board, New Era District WMU ministry, served in outreach ministry (nursing homes, shelters, and jails). She soon joined Holy Light MB Church under the leadership of Pastor Pleze Smith Jr., with her husband and remained a faithful servant in the Lord.

Venetta was married to her childhood friend, William Smith. To this union no children were born, however they shared a life of love, joy and peace together. William was a devoted husband and caregiver for his wife until the Lord called her home. Venetta will truly be missed by all who knew her. The life of faith and love she exemplified will always leave a lasting impression and her favorite words, “To God be the Glory”

Venetta leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband, William Smith, Brother – Robert Bryant (Jessie) Sisters; Cheryllyn Ratliff, Anna Clay (Rodney) Hortense Willis (Mark), two bonus children, Camillie Smith, Myjuan Simmons, Six grandchildren, Best friend and sister-in law – Capitola Scott; Goddaughters; Diamond Price and LaTisha Brown, Special Big Sister friends- Dr. Margie Williams and Pastor Cassandra Wainwright, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.