Lois Arnold Smith was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Zella M and Edward M Arnold on May 29, 1925, alongside her cherished twin sister, Joyce Arnold. She was one of six children, preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
Lois met Christ at an early age, attending Bethel AME Church in the 1930s to 1940s before transitioning to Saint Augustine’s Episcopal Church with her family. She graduated from Wendell Phillips Elementary School in 1939, RT Coles Junior High School in 1940, Lincoln High School in 1942, and Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1947, earning a degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Art. She furthered her education with a Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in May 1962, where she also pursued postgraduate studies.
On June 26, 1949, Lois married John E Smith, and they shared 43 years of marriage until his passing in November 1992. John dedicated forty years to teaching Math, Metal Shop, and Industrial Arts in the Kansas City Missouri School District.
Lois’s career in education began as a Kindergarten teacher at the historic Charles Sumner Elementary School from 1947 to 1959. Intrigued by psychology, she transitioned to become a School Psychological Examiner with the Kansas City Missouri School District, where she served from 1959 to 1987. She retired on June 5, 1987, after four decades of dedicated service.
Active in her church community, Lois contributed her time to various church organizations, including St. Margaret’s Guild and the Episcopal Church Women. She was a devoted member of St. Augustine’s for 50 years before joining Unity Temple on the Plaza with her older sister, Bette Fopp, after her husband's passing.
Though Lois and John did not have biological children, she embraced her role as a nurturing figure to her nieces, nephews, and grandnieces, providing unwavering love, guidance, and support. She treated each as her own.
Lois would provide attention, company, aid, comfort, and caregiving to family members after a health issue arose. It was an immense joy to her, and a strong passion in her life.
Civically engaged, Lois exercised her right to vote in special and presidential elections for many years and volunteered on several political campaigns, including those of Allen Wheat and Emmanuel Cleaver. She particularly enjoyed voting in the election of Barack Obama in 2008.
Art held a special place in Lois’s heart, and she pursued her passion by attending art classes for over 18 years. She formed a close bond with her instructor, Donna Yeager, and together they explored various art exhibitions and destinations, including Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Comanche Iris Farms in Gower, Missouri. Lois loved attending art fairs at the Country Club Plaza, Westport, Brookside, and others.
Lois painted and drew portraits of her mother, Zella, her aunts, sisters, and numerous other family members. Her house displays over 60 of her landscapes and still life art works.
In her leisure time, Lois enjoyed organizing family gatherings, participating in activities such as breakfast cookouts, picnics, and holiday meals. Lois particularly loved the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. She would study each horse before placing her 25-cent wager against other family members. She was an avid reader, particularly fond of detective, historical, biographical, and legal fiction.
Travel was a cherished pastime for Lois and John, who attended national conventions for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. They also embarked on vacations with Lois’s sisters and their spouses, visiting destinations such as the Bahamas, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.
Lois was initiated into the Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Lincoln University on April 14, 1947. After returning to Kansas City, she became a member of Beta Omega Chapter and a lifetime member of the sorority. Lois dedicated 75 years of membership and service, attaining the esteemed status of Diamond Soror. Her sorority sisters continuously showered Lois with love and attention throughout her decline.
Lois was also a member of Club Impromptu, founded in 1950. For over 60 years, she gathered monthly with her “club sisters,” including Mrs. Myrtle Dooley whom Lois affectionately called her “BFF”. Lois and Myrtle met in kindergarten at age five, and the two remained close friends until Lois’s death.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Theresa Turner, Lois’s caregiver for over three years (and previous caregiver to her twin sister, Joyce). Theresa’s professionalism, loyalty, care, and friendship towards Lois is deeply appreciated. The family also extends special thanks to the St. Luke’s Hospice team of nurses, chaplain, music therapist, and others who cared for her during her last several weeks of life.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband, John Smith; her parents, Edward and Zella Arnold; and her siblings, Thelma Wright, Jack Arnold, Edward Arnold, Bette Fopp, and her twin sister, Joyce Kynard.
She is survived by nieces, nephews, their spouses, and children: Ella (Donny, Denise, and Delmont) Blakeney of Hercules, CA; Joel (Tamia) Jones of Kansas City, MO; Janine (Dennis) Feggans of Tracy, CA; Brett (Joyce) Kynard of Lee Summit, MO; Carmen Kynard (David) Krasick of Lee Summit, MO; Ashley (Eric) Jacobs-Sanders of Lee’s Summit, MO; Jasmine (Matthew, Maya) Wingo of Redwood City, CA; Monica (Nicholas, Noah) Peyton of Walnut Creek, CA; Robin (Imari, Cinque, and Zuri) Peyton of Walnut Creek, CA; Cydney (Jevon, Peyton) Walton of Springfield, VA; and Sue Gamble of Huntington State, NY.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, at 10:00 AM at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th St, KCMO. (Parking is available west of the church.) The funeral service will follow on Friday, May 3, at 11:00 AM at Unity Temple, with interment at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, at 12:30 PM the same day.
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