Haywood Lee Smith

Haywood was born April 7, 1943 to Theocta and Annie Mae (Hobbs) Smith in Moro, Arkansas, and he is the first born of ten children. He received his elementary education in Kansas City, Missouri schools, and graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Moro, Arkansas. After graduating high school he served in the U.S. Air Force for four and a half years, earning the title of Sergeant.

Following his honorable discharge from the military he made a career in the healthcare industry.

Haywood began training in a six-month program as an inhalation therapist at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). He was very interested in medicine, and enrolled in classes at Penn Valley Community College, earning his A.A. degree. He then completed a two-year training program at KUMC becoming eligible to enter medical school.

During this time, Haywood was also employed at KUMC and was quickly promoted to manager of respiratory therapy for the entire hospital. After Haywood completed four years of study and employment in respiratory therapy, he left this position and interviewed with the University of Missouri medical program. He was accepted as a third-year medical student.

Due to family responsibilities, he chose a career path in hospital administration. He completed courses at Avila University, and Park University focused on business administration and healthcare management. Haywood held various management positions, starting as a Respiratory Therapist, Assistant Director of Respiratory Care, Director of Respiratory Care, Director of Risk Management, Director of Patient Relations, and ending his career as Patient Advocate. His career spanned hospitals in Missouri and Kansas.

Haywood was the recipient of many awards, and certificates of appreciation, recognizing his dedicated service, professional leadership, and contributions to healthcare. In 1995, he was awarded the twentieth Robert M. Myers Humanitarian Award for his exceptional devotion to the ill and afflicted, and appreciation for the personal dignity of all patients.

At an early age, Haywood accepted Christ and attended church in Arkansas with his family. He started singing at a young age. His faith walk continued, and he joined Emanuel Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri where he sang in the choir. After moving to Kansas, he joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he was an active member since 1979 until becoming ill. He served in various roles as a substitute Sunday school teacher, a member of the Male and Mass choir, and Male chorus director. He loved to sing and many loved hearing him sing. He was also a member of the Michael Charles Singers and the Voices of Faith.

Haywood was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Bobby. He is survived and terribly missed by his wife Gloria, and daughters Gia and Tasha. He also leaves his sisters Thresse (Banks), Sandra (Glen), Gwen, and Dedra; Brothers, Davard (Floristine), Larry (Elizabeth), and James Arthur (Diane), and other extended family members, Uncle Leonard; Cousins, Robert and Calvin, and many nieces, grand nieces, nephews, and grand nephews.

A celebration of life will honor Haywood, Saturday, June 3. Visitation from 9:30-11:00 am, and memorial service at 11:00 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 417 Richmond Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas, followed by interment with Military honors at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Haywood’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter, 3846 W 75th Street, Prairie Village, Kansas. 66208.

Condolences may also be expressed at: www.mtmoriah.net.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.