Obituary – Wilma L. Smith
Wilma Lavere Smith, born to Clarence and Lottie Kell on October 29, 1927, in Wier, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Wilma spent most of her life in Licking, Missouri, where she was a cherished member of the community. Her career was defined by dedication and service, with roles at the Bank of Houston, as a secretary at Licking School, and an impressive 33 years at the Licking Post Office. Alongside her husband Kenneth, she also helped operate K Smith Truck Lines. Never one to sit idle, Wilma earned her real estate license after retiring from the Post Office and enjoyed several years helping others find their homes.
Her commitment to community and faith was unwavering. Wilma served as President of the Missouri Rural Mail Carrier Women’s Auxiliary and was the WMU Director at Boone Creek Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member for 73 years.
Her warmth, humor, and enduring friendships earned her a beloved place among the “Golden Girls” of Licking.
Wilma is survived by her daughter, Christie Shoemaker, of Carthage, Mo.; her son, Kyle (Jennifer) Smith, of Licking, Mo.; her brother, David (Barbara) Kell, of Merrimac, Wis.; and her granddaughters: Lisa (Dan) Shepard, of Cottage Grove, Minn.; Jennifer (Jay) Bradley, of Ozark, Mo.; Kayla Smith, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Emily (Michael) Burnett, of Licking, Mo. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Zander and Kinleigh Bradley, and Dustin and Sayge Burnett, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lottie Kell, and her beloved husband, Kenneth Smith.
Wilma will be remembered as a woman of kindness, strength, faith and spirit – whose life touched many and whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A visitation for Wilma will take place Friday, September 5, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Boone Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Boone Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boone Creek Baptist Church Missions or Boone Creek Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net.
