Carmen Lorene Smith

Carmen Lorene Smith of Blue Springs, Missouri, was ushered into the presence of Jesus and her beloved husband, Melvin, on February 9, 2015, which was their 70th wedding anniversary. Carmen was born to Raymond and Ruby (Sanders) Smith in Mountain Grove, Missouri, January 19, 1927, and passed away at the age of 88 years and 21 days.
Carmen met the love of her life, Melvin R. Smith, in Salina, Kansas, and was one of few women who never changed her name. She was born a Smith and lived her entire life as a Smith, always proud of her heritage.
She is survived by two children: Donald R. Smith (Bev) of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Brenda G. Robb (John) of Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren: Rick Smith (Mary), Marcy Smith Greble (Michael), Jeff Page (Melissa), and Christy Page Fox (Chris); ten great-grandchildren; one brother: Russell E. Smith (Jeanette) of Blue Springs, Missouri; two sisters: Mahalla L. Cravens of Hartville, Missouri, and Janice R. Moore (Jerry) of Independence, Missouri; two brother-in-laws: Daryl Lancaster (Jane), and Bill Smith (Cheryl); six sisters-in-law: Hope McCallister, Juanita Bierman (George), Phyllis Wolfe (Dick), Ruth Tatum, Sherry Smith, and Donna Decker (Bill).
Her husband, Melvin, and infant great-grandson, Austin, preceded her in death.
On November 11, 2014, Carmen was diagnosed with a brain tumor, glioblastoma, and was told she had approximately two months to live. She accepted the diagnosis, saying that it just meant that she was going Home sooner than she thought. The following Sunday she walked into her Sunday School class and announced, Im going to Heaven to see Jesus, Melvin, and all my other friends and family! It was with grace and poise she accepted this challenge and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She began sharing her treasures with friends and family members, thus giving her the opportunity of bringing joy to her loved ones prior to her death.
At an early age, Carmen invited Jesus Christ into her life at Mountain Valley Church. Sometime around 1957, Melvin and Carmen, along with 5 others, organized Beacon Free Will Baptist Church. They began by meeting in homes, then rented a Boy Scout Hall, and soon purchased property at 79th & Harris in Raytown and began building their church. After working construction all day, Melvin and others worked on the church until dark, day after day. The ladies worked, cleaned, sewed curtains, painted, and prepared food for the men. What a vision they had, to step out in faith believing that God would provide!
Carmen was a dedicated and faithful Christian woman. She was so often found helping others in her own quiet and compassionate way. She kept herself busy. Even when she paused to rest, her hands were busy crocheting another beautiful doily.
She willingly served in her church in whatever way she was needed. She loved retelling stories about the babies and little ones she kept in the church nursery for so many years. She loved them and they loved her.
With wonderful assistance from Kansas City Hospice Care, her family lovingly cared for her needs in her home, and with her loved ones surrounding her, she completed her journey to Heaven with grace and dignity. The joy of the Lord was her strength. This lovely lady will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends and neighbors.


Funeral Services: Friday, February 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Beacon Free Will Baptist Church, 7920 Harris Avenue, Raytown, Missouri.

Visitation: Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel, Mountain Grove.

Burial: Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove.

Memorial Contributions: Beacon Free Will Baptist Church, Raytown, c/o the funeral Home.