Lila May Smith was born on April 3, 1928, to Clarence E. and Lila L. Breneman in Fort Riley, Kansas. She passed into glory on July 26, 2026 at 98 years old at Kidron Bethel Healthcare in North Newton, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Lewis Smith (1985); sons, Jerry M. Smith (2014) and James E. Smith (2021); brothers, James and Robert; and a sister, Betty Durdak.
She is survived by her sister, Norma (Harry) Obrien; son, Don (Rosie) Smith; daughter, Carol Ann Lewis; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Growing up, her father was in the military so they moved around. She had fond memories of living in Montgomery, Alabama. When her father was sent overseas the family moved to Fort Scott, Kansas to be near family. She met Donald L. Smith and they were married shortly thereafter. Their first child, Donald R. Smith was born there. Lila and Don moved to Wichita, Kansas, where their sons, Jerry and Jim, and their daughter, Carol Ann were born.
After accepting Christ as his Savior while visiting church with neighbors, her 5 year old son said, “Guess what I did?” resulting in both parents later becoming Christians. Lila loved her family and her friends dearly. She served as a Sunday School and children's church teacher for the 2 and 3 year olds at Wichita Bible Church for 50 years and has shared God’s love with so many over the years. Lila loved working with the young children, and it was amazing to see how she engaged them singing and quoting the Bible. She also taught Child Evangelism Good News Clubs with her best friend Lavern Shelton for several years.
Her dedication to her faith paved the way for many friendships through the years. In her late 80s she began a five year memorization class learning 500 verses. Always searching for ways to share the Word of God, she often quoted verses she had memorized in that class and 72 previously learned. She shared Our Daily Bread with residents, family and friends. She sang while working around the house and later with residents in Healthcare.
A graveside service will be held on August 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM, at White Chapel Cemetery, located at 1806 N. Oliver, Wichita, Kansas 67208. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Wichita Bible Church Children's Ministries, 633 S. Woodlawn, Wichita, Kansas 67218.
