Stella Loretta Smith was born into this world on November 24, 1954, to Willie Arthur Smith and Lula Mae Smith. She was the 5th child of 6 siblings and the youngest daughter of the family. Stella was a lover of life, a lover of people, and a lover of the Lord. Stella lived a full and complete life, never passing up an opportunity to make a new friend, and in her words, make a spiritual connection. Affectionately known as Star, Slim, Miss B, Aunty, Aunt Stella, Mama Stella, Ms. Stella and Estellita; demonstrates the depth of affection loved ones have for her. While Stella answered to all the names conferred on her, she was most pleased to be called Nana, or The Grand Nana, by her 3 grandchildren; and simply as ‘Ma’ by her only son.
At the ripe young age of 19, Stella found herself a single mother with a newborn. Being the fighter that she was, Stella made what could have been ordinary life, quite extraordinary. She enrolled her overactive son in a park acting class, which resulted in 20 years of success in the entertainment industry. Stella managed her son’s career for over a decade, and under her guidance some of their successes include: Tap Dance Kid (National Touring Company), The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, Scrooged, Guest Starring roles on LA Law and Sister-Sister, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, What’s Love Got to Do with It, and the Lethal Weapon franchise.
During her time as a manager in the entertainment industry, Stella was also the Co-Founder of National Association of African American Youth in Entertainment (NAAAYE). NAAAYE was founded with the express purpose of providing a platform for young African American entertainers to be recognized in an industry that hadn’t grown to appreciate the contributions of Black Talent. Stella was passionate about Black people, and spent a lifetime championing the causes of the oppressed. NAAAYE was but one organization she devoted her time and energy to supporting.
Stella was a creative spirit in her own right. A prolific poet throughout her adult years, she released many poems under the name, Stella by Starlight. Her poetry examined the intersections of love, sensuality and spirituality. Her culminating work was to be a line of greeting cards, which contained her poems. Her son is committed to making her dream realized.
Later in her life, Stella’s love of books and reading led her to enter the field of education. She served with distinction, as the Head Librarian at La Ballona Elementary School, in Culver City, California. During her 20-year tenure at La Ballona Elementary, Stella directly impacted the lives of two generations, totaling over 2,500 students. She also helped produce the Black History Month Celebration for over 15 Years, where she returned to her entertainment roots. Plays she acted in and produced included: Maya Angelou, W.E.B. Dubious, Sojourner Truth, Ruby Bridges, and Harriet Tubman. Stella had the added excitement of performing alongside all 3 of her grandchildren, as she successfully enrolled them into La Ballona, so she could personally direct their early educational paths.
Stella’s true life’s work was that of a caregiver. She took tremendous pride of being in service to her sister, brothers, and mother. It was not uncommon for Stella to work an 8-hour day, and then commit herself to an additional 7-hours of service to the care of her ailing family members. She did this willingly, and with little regard to her own needs. She was truly an Angel.
Stella was called home on May 20, 2020. She was preceded in transitioning by her father Willie Arthur Smith; sister Peggy Jo Oliver; three brothers Charles Clinton Smith, Bruce Edward Smith, and Arthur Ray Smith.
Stella Loretta Smith leaves to cherish her precious memory, loving son Damon D. Hines, Ed.D.; mother Lula Mae Dean; grandchildren Joaquin D. Hines, Kai D. Hines, and Taye D. Hines; daughter-in-law Maribel Hines; siblings James Murphy, Willie Arthur Jr., and Alicia Jones; life-sister and life-brother Rosaland McGrew, and Rodrick McGrew; nieces and nephews: Mark, Lorraine, Keyon, Kareem, Tiffany, Markeith, Devone, Ashley, Dorian, Myeisha, Rodrick McGrew II and Anthony Johnson. Special friend: Julia Taslimi; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and loving friends.
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