Henri "Lynne" Smith

Henri “Lynne” Smith passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021, in Memphis, Tennessee at the age of 65. She was born Henri Lynne Stewart on October 22, 1955, in Florence, Alabama. Lynne was a loyal friend, devoted mother, committed wife, and loving sister.

Despite the challenges of growing up in the segregated South, from a young age, Lynne knew she wanted to be a lawyer. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University. She then moved to Memphis to earn a law degree at the University of Memphis. She was a successful civil lawyer for over three decades. She was known in the courtroom as a formidable opponent and one who always fought wholeheartedly for her clients. In her pursuit to become a city court judge in 1996, she adopted the campaign slogan, “Justice is blind, except for respect.”

Lynne’s heart was fullest when she was with her three daughters. Her eyes lit whenever she talked about their many accomplishments and adventures. She was a loving and fiercely devoted mother who would do anything for her girls. She was there for every milestone, every tennis match, every basketball game, and everything else in between.

Lynne was funny. She made her family laugh even when she wasn’t trying to. Her dance moves, her out-of-tune singing, and long-winded stories brought smiles to those of us around her. And her full-belly laugh. She would laugh until she cried and then laugh some more.

Lynne was also an avid traveler. She strolled the Las Vegas strip, waded in the Atlantic Ocean, and ate gelato on the edge of the Trevi Fountain.

As her family, we celebrate her life. Her memory. Her spirit. Her courage. Her love. Her legacy. Her. We celebrate her home.

She is survived by her husband, Kent Smith; daughters, Kenya, Kristen and Maya. She also leaves behind her two brothers, David and Kelvin Stewart. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Janet Stewart, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

The visitation for will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Smith family.