Nell Lorraine Payne Smith

Nell Smith passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on January 20, 2013. She was born in Bynum, Texas, September 5, 1929, to Charlie and Bennie Payne. Nell married Ben Smith July 19, 1946 and they had three children, Charles, Gary and Debbie. Nell and Ben moved to Kansas City in 1953, eventually settled in Mission and raised their family. She worked for Hallmark Cards, owned her owned business and retired from Dalton’s Florist. Nell enjoyed a very active life from playing high school basketball to bowling in her later years. She was a gifted artist, loved to read, and an avid collector of all things. Nell took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters. Nell was preceded in death by her husband Ben, son Charles, her parents and brothers Charles Jr. and Billy. She is survived by her son Gary (Lisa), daughter Debbie, grandchildren Cory and Jesse along with their mother, Sandy and great-granddaughters Sierra and Isabella. She also leaves behind a brother, Clarence (Kay) Payne, two sisters, Dorothy (Bill) Armstrong and JoAnn (David) Finlay and step-grandchildren, Connor, Shea and Jamie. The family would like to thank Nell’s caregivers at Delmar Gardens and KC Hospice. Nell will always be remembered for her smile, spark and style. She will be missed. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 25th, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 26th, at Maple Hill Cemetery, 2301 S. 34th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.