Kaola Smith

Kaola Lanette Smith was born October 1, 1927, in Hallsville, Texas, to the parentage of Richard and Lucinda Johnson, Jr.  Lil Sis, as she was called by her parents, was their first-born of 18 children.  She graduated from Pemberton High School in Marshall, Texas.  Kaola received an Associate Degree in Cosmetology from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.

Kaola met the love of her life, Richard T. Smith, Sr. and in 1948 they “jumped the broom” and remained a loving couple for the next 52 years until her husband was called to rest in 2001.  Their union produced five loving and caring children.

Kaola never met a stranger.  She had an infectious personality, a giving spirit that made everybody feel like they were family.  Kaola loved making quilts as well as being a fantastic cook.  Every year she would make quilts for her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed making ceramics, talking on the phone, taking trips with the center and traveling to 48 of the 50. states.  Kaola was a classy dresser and would complete each outfit with a hat.  She loved wearing hats!  Kaola would often let those “younger ladies” know their dresses were way too short by telling them “She’d sew a piece of fabric” to their dresses.  She was an avid supporter of the Johnson Family Reunions.  Kaola truly loved her sisters and brothers!

For many years, Kaola was a faithful member of Trinity Park Church of Christ and in later years at Dallas West Church of Christ.

She leaves to cherish her memories three sons: Richard T. Smith, Jr. of Grand Prairie, TX, Leonard W. Smith (Velma LaJoy-Deceased), and Herschel L. Smith (Brenda) both of DeSoto, TX; two daughters: Charlesetta M. Session (Royal) of Dallas, TX, and Paula R. Jackson (Neotis) of Carrollton, TX; four sisters: Mamie L. Jackson of Ft. Worth, TX, Jeanette Andrews, Alice F. Phillips, and Carrie Richmond (Charles) of Dallas, TX; one aunt: Earnestine Haynes of Houston, TX; two sisters-in-law: Odessa Johnson and Clarice Anderson of Dallas, TX; two sister-cousins: Carrie Carter of Houston, TX, and Frances “Bay” Singleton of Marshall, TX; additionally, fifteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and twenty-three great-great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kaola Smith, please visit our floral store.