Willie Edna Smith

WILLIE always had a joy for learning and loved reading about history, especially Black History. She graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1956 where she met the love of her life, Ronald Smith. They were married August 25, 1956, in Indianapolis and stayed in holy matrimony for 67 years. From this union, she had four children whom she cherished: Tonie, Sharon, Vickie, and Ronald.

WILLIE professed a hope in Christ at an early age at her grandfather’s church in Lafayette, Alabama where she lived with her grandparents for several years. After moving to Indianapolis, Willie met her long-time best friend Rachelle Ward where she then attended St Bridget’s Catholic Church. Willie served in her church for many years. Once Willie’s church closed, she moved her membership and worship to Eastern Star Church where she attended until she was unable to due to her health issues.

WILLIE worked at Indiana University Hospital in several positions and retired from there after nearly 20 years of service, with her last position as an EKG Technician. She was known at the hospital as “Mrs. Willie” who never met a stranger. Willie loved to travel with her husband, friends, and family. Her favorite pastime was going to the Casino with her friends. She would always say “I like going to the casino not to spend a lot of money, but to spend time with my best friends.” Willie also loved reading, shopping, and spending time with her children & grandchildren.

WILLIE will be remembered for her loving smile and kind words. Willie never met a stranger she would not talk too. Her zest for life was contagious to all who encountered her presence. She was considered a “mother” or “aunt” to many that were not her blood relatives and was always ready to give a kind word of encouragement or a smile to anyone she met. She always said, “You have to kill people with kindness”, and she was always sure to do just that. Her greatest wish in her life was always to have a family, she not only created a beautiful family with her husband, but she also found a way to make everyone she encountered feel like “family”.

WILLIE EDNA SMITH departed this life early Friday morning on March 8, 2024, at the age of 86 years old. She was proceeded in death by her parents John D. Dawkins, Edna Eley, and stepmother Arabelle Dawkins, and 2 daughters Tonie M. Hunter and Sharon Smith.

WILLIE leaves to cherish her memory; husband of 67 years Ronald Smith, daughter Vickie E. Smith, son Ronald (Marie) Smith, sisters Gloria Eley, Cynthia (Frank) Toney, and brother Marcus (Susan) Eley, Six grandchildren; Matthew Bonds, Brittany Jones, Jonathan Hunter, Jordan Hunter, Bianca Smith and Marcus Smith. Five great-grandchildren; Bre’anna Bonds, Kylah Jones, Kamrynn Lisenby, Kynzi Jones, and Hendrixx Hunter, and one great-great grandson Zy’Aire Reed. Niece (daughters) Karen (Larry) Curtis and Joyce Bradley, Nephew (son) John Howcott, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.