Lenora Smoot

Lenora Smoot was born In Madison, WV on April 27, 1942, as the oldest of 8 children to the late Virginia Saunders. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Saunders.

She graduated from Scott High school in Madison, WV where she also accepted the Lord at a young age. It was In her early childhood that she met the man who would later become her husband, Larry Allen Smoot. To this union, they had 3 children, Ve Ella, Larry Allen, Jr. and Valarie.

The family moved to Cleveland, OH at which point she became a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, later Sunday School Superintendent and prior Director of Vacation Bible School. She was a co-founder of the Quilting Club and enjoyed looking forward to their weekly Tuesday morning meetings. The club members’ quilts are displayed in the church basement. She remained a faithful member until her death. She often watched the Sunday service during her stay at the

hospital or nursing home with her daughter.

As one of very few stay-at-home moms in the area, she was a childcare provider for many children in the neighborhood who affectionately referred to her as ‘Smoot’.

Lenora was a tough, no-nonsense woman who was fiercely protective of her family. She installed the value of education to her children and grandchildren. All her children and grandchildren have graduated from higher learning Universities at various levels. She was a fantastic cook in the house that she shared with her husband often being the host of many holiday meals. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening and most dear to her heart, traveling back to West Virginia each year for family reunions in July and August.

After a series of health challenges this year, Lenora took her last breath on June 23, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 59 years, Larry, Sr; her children Ve Ella Mays (Michael), Larry Allen Jr (Edith) and Valarie Morris (Rafael);her grandchildren, Dr. Dayana Holmes (Tavares), Ayman Abdullah-Smoot, Kaamil Abdullah-Smoot and Dr. Malik Mays (Dureti); one great granddaughter, Malaya Jean ‘MJ’ Holmes; her siblings Attorney William ‘Tee’ Saunders, Larry ‘Happy’ Saunders, Ronnie ‘Butch’ Saunders, Jerry Saunders, Vicky Saunders and Joseph ‘Gus’ Saunders as well as a host of extended family members, Emmanuel Baptist Church family and longtime neighbors for more than forty years.

The family extends our sincerest appreciation to all the support we’ve received during these past few challenging months. While she will be sorely missed, we praise God that she is now at peace.

Lovingly submitted,

The Family