Laura Mae Smith Irving

Life is strange with twists and turns as every one of us sometimes learns, and though we fail, we don’t give up. Life is a stopping place, predestined, a pause in what’s to be, Laura’s works will speak for her; the life she lived will speak throughout eternity. She was the neighborhood mom who always had a hot meal ready, even for a stranger. The Love she had for others was evident in the Love she had for life.

On August 21, 1939, history recorded the arrival of Laura Mae Irving into this world. The lives of her late parents, Jim, and Ida Irving as they knew it would change forever. She was one of thirteen children born into this union. The family relocated to California in 1942, from Taft Oklahoma, where she would reside until called back to her heavenly home. Laura accepted Christ at an early age, she was baptized at Oceanview Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. G.E. Ellis, Pastor. Laura Mae was currently in fellowship with the Destiny center church in Moreno Valley.

She attended Fremont Junior High School and graduated from Monterey High School. Laura graduated from Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA. with a degree in Nursing. She graduated from Culinary Arts School as well.

Laura married her first husband Warren Smith, Sr., and from this union three children were born. Wandaline Smith, Bradford Warren, Gomez Smith, Sr., Wayne Craig Smith. All three children proceeded her in death. She married her second husband Sammie Lee Fair in 1960; from this union two children were born. Sammie Lee Fair, Jr., and Rozata Fair.

Laura possessed an unwavering passion for traveling, cooking, feeding, and caring for others. Laura was the person who knew her worth and possessed the morals and values instilled in her by her parents at an early age. Laura had a heart of gold, she loved to shower others with gifts, and opening her home to family members who were in need.

She was a shopping “Diva”; when she shopped, it was for others. She loved cooking for others, spending time with family was some of her favorite past times. She had a zest for life and lived each moment purposefully, she was a connoisseur of the slot machines. Laura’s exuberant personality was infectious to those who knew her. The evidence of her love and the love she had for others is left to those who will cherish her memories.

A few members of her family awaiting her arrival are her Children: Daughter, Wandaline Bradford-Smith, Sons-Warren Gomez Smith Jr, Wayne Craig Smith, Grandchildren-Sir Randall Fair, Kendale Riley.

Her Parents, and Grandparents.

Brothers-Isaiah, John, David, & Gary.

Sister – Hannah.

Special Brother in Laws-Pastor M.D Slade, Richard Harris, & William (Bill) Mitchell.

Sister-in-law Elaine Irving.

And a legacy of family far too many to name left behind to cherish her memories:

Her children: Sammie Fair Sr. Rozata, Fair.

Her son in love Conrad Johnson Sr.

Bonus Daughter/caregiver Michelle Irving- Davis (Sam) and her children.

Sisters:

Ida Bell Irving, Vernistine Slade, Freddy Mae and Bertha Irving.

Brothers: Sammie Irving, James Ellis Irving (Ava), Larry Irving (Joan), Son-in Law Conrad Johnson.

Cousins: Linda East and Brenda Hartley

Laura has twenty-four grandchildren, Tasha, Loretta, Shawanda, Regina, Wanda Jr, Rozata Jr, Nesha, Tyroneek, Jamayca, Candice, Brooke, Denecia, Sir Reginald, Sammie Lee lll, Richard, Freddie, Harris Jr, Conrad, Roderick, Antowian, Jameel, Sir Samuel, Little Freddie, & Isaiah.

seventy great-great grandchildren, ten great-great-great grandchildren, she has a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Though it’s too many to name individually, the Love and Lineage will endure.

For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: He knoweth thy walking through the wilderness…the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hath lacked nothing. Deu 2:7

…let your light shine before men, the that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16

Laura’s favorite song is: “May the Work I’ve Done Speak For Me.”

Let your light shine...

Our Father in heaven, who always leads us by the hand. He picks us up when we fall, He always understands. He takes us to his dwelling place, where we can go to seek his face. His face, I’ve found my hope in you, you reflect a solemn truth. A golden crown I will accrue, you will see my victory through. A harmonized refreshing dew, for I have lived to follow you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baysidecommunitymortuary.com for the Smith family.