Lelah Pearl Smith

Lelah Smith started life's journey in Greenville, Alabama as the first born of Jack and Flora Smith. She is survived by two brothers, Edward Smith and Robert Smith and two sisters, Doris Goyette and Juanita Poole. She was preceded in death by three other brothers, Willie Smith, William Smith, and Jack Smith Jr.

During her journey, Lelah had four children, her youngest, Lonnie Stephens, died in February 2013. Her three surviving children are: Daniel Bell Sr., Sheila Goodwin, and Esther Stephens.

In addition to her children and family, the high point of Lelah's journey include how well she understood the importance of determination.

Lelah began her professional journey by obtaining a license for Cosmetology in Mobile, Alabama. She started working in Beauty Shops owned and operated by others but with a goal of owning and operating her own business. She achieved this goal by opening shops in Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. One of her shops in Los Angeles became known as a premier location for all styles of hair care, including weaves. She became known as an expert in the methods and styles of hair weaving, and wrote an instruction book on weaves.

Lelah was very artistic, designing and making clothing for fashion shows, her children, and friends. Her other artistic interests included writing poems and mural painting.

Most of all she was well tuned to family and the importance of close family ties. She often helped other family members and also asked them for help when it was needed. She opened her home to brothers and sisters to help during relocations.

Lelah took special care and provided immense development for her children, teaching them things they needed to know to be self-sufficient in life, her children's education did not begin or end at the school's door, it was a constant education process. They were taught proper speaking, writing, posture, the importance of integrity, and respect for others, especially family. She was loved much and her inspiration and dedication to life is already being missed.