Loretta C. Smith-Atkins

Loretta C. Smith-Atkins

Sunrise: January 22, 1954

Sunset: December 16, 2013

A native of Chicago, IL, Loretta Christine Smith was born on January 22, 1954 to Verlon, Sr., and Helen (Johnson) Smith. Loretta was a loving daughter, “jazzy” sister and cherished friend who embraced life with great passion and enthusiasm. On March 9, 1973, she married Angelo Everett Atkins (Ex-husband), a U.S. military serviceman and retired letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Their union produced two beautiful children, Craig Joseph Atkins and Yalanda Patrice Atkins.

Loretta was an engaging and intelligent child as well as a popular student who excelled in her studies. Graduating from Crane High School in 1972, Loretta demonstrated great skills and talents throughout her work life as a seamstress, cook and longtime dietician at St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago. She balanced an engaging, quick witted personality with a focus and desire to better herself and abilities.

In 1987, Loretta started attending and ultimately graduated from Pivot Point International Beauty & Culture School where she became a Certified Cosmetologist. Loretta was a gifted stylist and enjoyed a successful career as a hair care specialist. She was committed to her profession and consistently provided superior hair care and maintenance to loyal clients while working at several top salons in the Chicago metropolitan area including ‘Ladies and Gents’ and ‘Exclusively Yours Salon.’

Loretta’s life credo was rooted in loving the Lord, treasuring her family, and uplifting all she encountered. She accepted Christ and His message at a young age and worshipped with her family at both Life Center Church of God in Christ and Salem Baptist Church, where she and her daughter, Yalanda, were active in the community in both Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Here are a few of her favorite scriptures:

In Christ and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10)

I will love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1 thru 3)

Loretta lived her life with joy, energy and appreciation for God’s blessings. As her health declined during her last years on earth, she was comforted by her caregivers who included Ada Clark, and grandsons, David and Denton. Loretta will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Verlon and Helen Smith; her precious daughter, Yalanda; and her brother, Terrance L. Smith

She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Craig (Kashaun) Atkins; grandchildren, David Steverson-Atkins and Denton Joseph Atkins; brother, Verlon Smith Jr.; sisters, Vernetta (Richard) Wisniewski, Patricia Smith, and Jeanetta Smith-Benbow; aunt, Etta Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at Allen Metropolitan CME Church, 0946 S Lowe Ave, Chicago, IL 60628. Repast immediately following.

Please visit the Loretta C. Smith-Atkins Memorial Website at

http://tiny.cc/LorettaSmith-Atkins

~Acknowledgements~

The family of Loretta Smith-Atkins is indeed grateful for the many calls, cards, emails, flowers and expressions of sympathy given during this period of our bereavement. May God bless each of you, and we ask for your continued prayers.