Lana Eve Smith-Angelo

Lana Eve Smith was born on December 11, 1948, at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Mildred DeGruy Smith and Emanuel Joseph Smith, Sr. She was the second oldest child and the only daughter among three brothers. Much of Lana’s life was spent in Los Angeles, California, where she was raised in a loving home with her mother and brothers.

Lana was united in holy matrimony to her childhood sweetheart, Darryl Angelo, whom she had known since grade school. Following their high school years, their marriage was joyfully celebrated in the presence of family and friends. From this union, two children were born, Derrell and Michael. Following the untimely passing of her husband due to illness, Lana courageously assumed the responsibility of raising her children on her own with strength and determination.

Several years later, Lana found love again with Jon January, and together they were blessed with their daughter, Porcha.

Throughout her life, Lana held various jobs, including positions at the Hall of Records, Michael’s Crafts, and Kaiser Permanente Hospital. However, it was the bright lights of Hollywood that brought her particular joy, as she worked as an extra in numerous popular films during the 1970s and 1980s. In later years, Lana found fulfillment in helping care for the children of others.

Lana was a devout Christian and had a deep interest in her faith. She furthered her spiritual education by enrolling in UCLA Extension’s religion studies program.

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Lana Eve Smith peacefully transitioned from this life on December 1, 2024, at the home of her daughter in Inglewood, California.

Lana was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mildred DeGruy Smith and Emanuel Joseph Smith, Sr.; and her brothers, Emanuel Joseph Smith, Jr., Elvin Alexander “Lovechild” Smith, and Gregory Hayes Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her half-brother, Jude Smith of New Orleans, Louisiana; her devoted children: Derrell Angelo-Stewart (Spencer) of Los Angeles, California; Michael Kijana Angelo (Nicole) of Naples, Florida; and Porcha January-Williams (Deron) of Bartow, Florida; and her treasured grandchildren, the true joys of her life—Davis Corinthian (Corey) Angelo, Dailyn Raquel Williams, and Ryan Simone Williams.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Those who trust in the Lord will find peace, and He will give them rest.” — Psalm 34:18

Forever in our hearts.