Lynne (Miss Lynne) Miss Lynne Gordon Smith

Lynne graduated from Tranquility High School in 1962, and married the love of her life and soul mate, Jesse Smith, on September 8, 1962. In 1964, Lynne and Jesse welcomed their son Jon into the world and then their daughter Julie in 1968.

Lynne had a Fresno Bee Vending Route in Kerman, and also worked at Crafter's Palace in Fresno. At 53, she received an Associates degree in Early Childhood Development courses while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Lynne taught at the Latchkey afterschool program at Kerman Unified School District for six years, and taught Sunday school for 43 years, at Mendota First Baptist, and Cornelia Ave Baptist Church.

Lynne took many individuals under her wing and mentored them lovingly. Lynne had a deep love for all of her Sunday school kids, as though they were her own. Bible Bingo and the Flannel Graph board were Lynne's fun ways to reach and teach her kids. Lynne's dream for her church kids was to have a built-in playground of which she spearheaded the building committee.

Lynne enjoyed fishing with friends and family and traveling with her cousins. Her favorite trips were to Alaska, Ireland, New Orleans and the Hawaiian Islands, but Santa Cruz, CA with her grandkids topped her list. Lynne had a love for rollercoasters, and wouldn't let heart problems, back surgeries, or ride attendants stop her.

Lynne is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jesse Smith; her son, Jon Smith and his wife Cherie; her daughter, Julie Rush Watkins and her husband Jason; and grandchildren, Jordan, Cierra, and Ashlyn Smith, and Madeline Rush; her sister, Rayanna Slaughter; and several nephews, and nieces.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cornelia Ave. Baptist Church on Friday November 7, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Cornelia Avenue Baptist Church Playground Fund, 2405 N. Cornelia Ave., Fresno, CA 93722.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA 559-268-9292.