Elizabeth A. Smith

Elizabeth Ann (Kerr) Smith was born at home in Liberal, Kansas, on September 11, 1941, to Oscar Fann Kerr and Cecilia E. (Smyth) Kerr. She entered heaven’s gates on May 25, 2026, following an extended hospital stay at Olathe Medical Center.

Her father was a professional roofer, and her mother was a gifted homemaker who lovingly kept her large family nourished with delicious meals and handmade clothing for her children.

Elizabeth was only three years old when her mother passed away. Her sister Katherine, then thirteen, helped raise her along with two other siblings. At age thirteen, Elizabeth moved with her family to Overland Park, Kansas, where they lived on the campus of Kansas City College and Bible School, where her brother-in-law served as a professor. There she lavished her affection on her two nieces, Annette and Beverly, with whom she lived.

She attended McKinley Elementary School in Liberal, Kansas; Milburn Junior High in Overland Park, Kansas; and both high school and college at Kansas City College and Bible School. Her first job was on the assembly line at Russell Stover Candies, where many of her classmates worked the 3:00 p.m. to midnight shift alongside her. She later worked for E. R. Squibb and Sons in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.

In 1963, she met David Franklin Smith of Richlands, Virginia, who had recently returned from serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. They quickly fell in love and were married on August 1, 1964, at the Church of God (Holiness) in Jefferson City, Missouri, by their good friend Rev. Jerry Clair. Though their love weathered many storms, they remained steadfast in their devotion and cared for one another for nearly 62 years.

Just before the birth of their first son, Elizabeth and David gave their hearts to the Lord, and their lives were forever changed. Through the years, she faithfully supported her church and missionary work, praying daily for family and friends. Her deepest desire was to reach heaven and encourage others to do the same.

Three years after their wedding, Elizabeth and David welcomed their first son, Rodney David Smith, into their home. They were overjoyed by his arrival. While David worked at Henry Wurst, Inc. in Kansas City, Elizabeth devoted herself to caring for their beloved son. Nearly four years later, their second son, Randy William Smith, was born and became a cherished companion to his older brother. Elizabeth devoted herself fully to her family, keeping a warm and orderly home and preparing meals with loving care. She took great pride in personal style and presentation, extending that same care to her household. As her sons grew older, she occasionally babysat to help supplement the family income. When her sons were in junior high school, she began working in the food service department at Westridge Middle School, where she enjoyed serving meals to generations of children. Later, she worked at a Christian daycare at Kansas City Christian School, where her love for children was evident and warmly returned.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Cecilia Kerr; her siblings, Estelle, Vincent, Katherine, Shirley, William, Mary Ann, and Julie; and her parents-in-law, Lou and Fred Smith. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 62 years, David Franklin Smith; her two sons, Rodney and his wife Brenda, and Randy and his husband Richard Denton; her cherished grandson, Benton Smith; her brothers-in-law, Freddy Smith, Donnie Smith, and Larry Northern; her nieces, Annette Triplett and Beverly Tatum, and their families; and her chosen sisters Janie Frost and JoAnn Bourland as well as a host of extended family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Olathe Public Schools Foundation.