Carmel Estella Smith was born March 9, 1924, in Batesville, Arkansas to Mae Stone and Raymond Heron.  She was the only child born to this union.  After ninth grade, she went to C. W. R. Academy in Brinkley, Arkansas until she graduated high school.  She gave her life to Christ at the early age of 12 at Friendship Baptist Church in Batesville, Arkansas.  After graduating, Carmel moved to Chicago, Illinois for a number of years, making airplane parts for the military.  She ultimately landed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1947, where she became a member of Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. I. H. Henderson, Jr.  She met and married James D. Smith in 1953 and to this union four children were born, James P. Smith, Afrika E. Jacks, Landis R. Smith and Raymond R. Smith.

She became a member of the Chancel Choir, Mass Choir and the Kansas City Choral Ensemble for 29 years, all under the direction of Mrs. Aline Jefferson.  She was a faithful member of Sunday school class #7, B.T.U., Sheepfold (Simeon), Etta Workcuff Mission Circle, Culinary worker and Deaconess of the church.

Carmel received a certificate for Sales Clerk and Sales Psychology in 1961 and went on to become one of the top sales representatives for the Kline's Department Store in downtown Kansas City. Eager for more, she then pursued a career in Cosmetology by entering into the Aline Jefferson Beauty Academy.  She was even chosen as the Queen of their Annual Senior Banquet in 1970!  After many years of being a beautician and being awarded recognition for her scholastic achievements, she looked for even more out of life.  At the tender age of 56 she entered Penn Valley Community College to pursue a degree in education!  After receiving her Associate's Degree in Applied Sciences, she began teaching Kansas City's disabled children at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School. It was there that she also learned American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with deaf students.  She would even babysit for some of her students on the weekend, so their parents could have a night out.

Carmel then became a member of the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) and a member of Programs for Children in Crisis. As you can see, she was truly a selfless soul; never satisfied unless she was giving more and more.  Even after retiring from teaching, she became a crossing guard until her health no longer allowed her to continue.

Carmel was a very energetic woman!  She was full of life and always looking for new mountains to conquer.  She also loved to travel and has been halfway around the world!  She has been to places such as Jerusalem, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Hawaii just to name a few.  She also loves to read, play bingo, to out to eat and go the boat.

Carmel of "Mama" and "Maw-Maw" as we called her loved her family, teaching children and her church.  She loved being involved at church with all of her church friends and seeing Pastor Terrance.  But most of all she loved the Lord! She loved to call herself a "Clown for Jesus ; because of her great humor. "Well, Good Peter!" and Thank You" were some of her favorite things to say.

Her husband of 56 years, Deacon James D, Smith, her mother, Mae Stone "Nanny", father, Raymond Heron and a great-grandson, Ja'Len Jackson preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life: her children, James P. Smith, Sr. (Janette), Afrika E. Jacks, Landis R. Smith (Cynthia) and Raymond R. Smith; 12 grandchildren, Rodney Jackson (April), (James) Preston Smith, Jr. (Nicole), Stuart Smith, J'Mil Jackson, Dale Perkins, II (Kim), Damon Perkins, Sr. (Felicia), Danielle Perkins, Jamila Smith, Aisha Smith, Tameka Smith, Shamequa Smith and Cionna Smith; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; special family friend and play daughter, Cecelia "Kaye" Smith; special friend, Bro. Paul Taylor and a host of dear lifelong neighbors and friends.

Services for Mrs. Smith will be held 11:00 A. M. Saturday, April 16, 2022 , at Friendship Baptist Church.  Burial Forest Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services handled by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.

Services