Zenobia Lynell Smith

Zenobia was born to Ivy Frazier Smith (Miss Ivy) and Cecil “Poppa Smitty” Smith Sr on March 5 1949, she was the “Baby” of the family. 

Zenobia was educated in the Ogden City School system and graduated from Ogden High School. She attended Weber State College and attended The Cosmetology College at Salt Lake Community College and the Bishop College in Dallas TX music program and cosmetology classes. She was renowned for her gift of cosmetology and much sought after for her artistic abilities.

Zenobia was a top tier performer of many different genres. She was a big band leader and the singer and pianist for several small ensembles. What Zenobia loved most of all was performing with her mother and family members. Zenobia sang with Edwin Hawkins and The Edwin Hawkins Choir, Roger Akers and The Chosen Generation and These Are They and a host of other groups that were messengers of God, for God.

Zenobia grew up in Ogden and considered herself an Ogdenite; however, in the early 1970s she followed her sisters Bobbie Helen and Cecilia to Kansas City in the early 70’s and lovingly called Missouri her home and become known as the “The Kansas City Songbird.” until her last breath. When anyone referred to her as the KC Songbird, it brought a smile to her heart and with a gentle smile and soft laughter, she would say, That's me."

Zenobia traveled extensively and loved international journeys. She relished being able to share her testimony wherever she went. She was blessed going in, and blessed going out. She was a rapt student of biblical scripture. She was loved by children of all ages and truly loved them right back. Zenobia laughed without hesitation and had a fabulous sense of humor. Anyone in her presence felt the joy and love of her true spirit of unconditional love.

Zenobia loved the youth, inspiring young voices to sing, leading and guiding them to Christ. She enjoyed acting and modeling always entering a room with grace and beauty.

Zenobia’s piano playing was healing, soothing, contemporary, traditional, comforting, uplifting, and testimonial. She ushered many followers of Jesus Christ into his kingdom. She inspired many to stay actively involved in the search for wisdom and being present in everyday church life. She sangthe National Anthem and other traditional patriotic songs around The Greater Kansas City area, at many venues great and small. Zenobia was an icon.

Zenobia was preceded in death by her mother, Ivy Fraizer Smith. father Cecil Smith, Sr., brothers and sisters, Hazel, Bobbie Helen, Shelly, and twins Cecil , Cecilia. She is survived by Gerod & Betty Sawyer and family, her beloved nieces and nephews who all loved her, Ronnie (son of Hazel), Camille, Daphne, and Cecelly (daughters of Cecil), Jonathan; Michael (deceased) and Courtney (deceased) (sons of Shelley), and Gregory and Cameron (sons of Cecilia) and many extended family and friends.