Ms. Willa Smith

Obituary Willa Mae was born September 15, 1927 to Irene and John Autry Sr.in Wichita, Kansas. Willa grew up in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Wichita High School East and attended Wichita State University. She then moved to San Pablo, California and continued her education and received her Associates Degree from Contra Costa College. Willa grew up attending Catholic, Methodist, Episcopalian and Baptist churches. She sang in the choir and was baptized by Pastor Earl Able at Palestine Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. She was currently a member on the Second Missionary Baptist Church in Grandview under the leadership of Bishop John Lewis where she faithfully attended bible study, Sunday School and worship services until her health failed. Willa worked in California as a bookkeeper and Computer Pram Analyst. She then moved to Overland Park, Kansas where she worked at Capitol Federal Savings Bank as an assistant supervisor/ATM balancer. She also completed her career at JC Penney as a Sales Associate in the Drapery Department. In addition, she worked as a seamstress at the Perfect Fit Bridal Shop where she completed alterations on wedding and brides-maids dresses. Willa started her own business and made bridal gowns, drapes, and performed alternations for numerous customers. Willa had many interests, she in enjoyed playing the piano and autoharp, singing, interior decorating and playing bridge and Scrabble. She was also an avid-reader, movie watcher and her favorite shows were on the Hallmark Channel. Willa was preceded in death by her parents Irene and John Autry Sr., brothers John Autry Jr. James Robert Autry, husbands Frank Moore and Marvin Smith. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: daughter Janice Suber (Terrence) of Sachse, Texas, granddaughters Olivia Suber of Washington, D.C. and Candress Suber of Dallas, Texas; Seretta A. Brown, Dwayne (Ricky) of Raytown, Missouri and great grandson Justin Alan Monroe Smith of Raytown, Missouri; step-daughter Osa Russell-White, great granddaughter Jamika Russell both of Marietta, Georgia; daughter-in-law Delores Smith, grandson Marvin R. Smith (Nora), great granddaughter Maya Superfine Smith, great grandson Zev Supervine Smith all of San Leandro, California; cousins Earlene Kennedy and Dean Kennedy of Kansas City, Missouri; James Lewis, Ulysses Foster, Jr. and Henry Foster (Wilma) all of Wichita, Kansas; Lawrence Autry (Irene) of Holly Springs, Mississippi; nephews, Daryl (Myra) Autry of Lake Charles Louisiana; Milford Autry of Wichita Kansas; James Autry Jr. of East Orange, New Jersey; Adrian Autry of Louisville, Kentucky; Nieces, Clara and Marlyn Autry of Kansas City, Missouri; Sharon Marshall of Midwest City, Oklahoma; Janeth(James) of Wylie, Texas. Special thanks to caregivers Tina and Vern Glover, Glennette Lane and Vivian and Johnny Chapman and the Neighbors in the HeatherWood Homes 148 Street cul-de-sac. Graveside Service will be held Friday, August 13, 2021, 11:00am at Floral Hill Cemetery. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to COVID-19 protocols, social distancing and face coverings are required. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Willa Smith, please visit our floral store. Read More

Ms. Willa Smith

September 15, 1927 - August 4, 2021