Minnette Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Minnette Ruby Smith was born on March 23, 1943, to Harvey “Son” Felder and Catherine Marie Cherry (Both preceded her in death) at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the youngest of four children (both of her brothers, Roland and Leon French also preceded her in death.) Minnette was educated in St. Louis Public School System and a proud graduate of Sumner High School, Class of 1961 (Bulldog for life.) She was one of the Legend Singers under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Brown Billups. After high school, Minnette attended Southern Illinois University and it was there that she met Hurley Lee (Billy) Smith in 1962. They were joined in Holy Matrimony in 1966 at the Clayton Missionary Baptist Church. To this union, they welcome their precious daughter Lelia Marie Smith a.k.a. Nicki. This union lasted 22 beautiful years. Minnette remained a faithful member of the Clayton Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership Pastor Harold Ellis III until her health began to fade. Minnette enjoyed singing soprano in her church choir and had a beautiful voice. During Minnette’s early years in the work field, she was a retail associate at Famous Barr now known as Macy’s (we believe she worked here for no other reason than to support her “diva” style as she was a jazzy dresser and loved wearing her 6 inch heels with much poise and grace.) She would later go to work for the United States Government where she retired several times. Minnette made her earthly transition on November 7, 2019, at Delmar Gardens North. She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving, devoted, faithful, and ever present daughter Lelia (Nicki) Lee; her favorite (by default) and supportive son-in-law David Lee; two loving granddaughters Kaysi Minnette and Sydney Alexandria Lee; Lelia’s father, Hurley Smith; her sister, Jean Hunter; two nieces, Michelle Hunter-Tyler and Jean (Patty) Barnette; her nephew Stanley Hunter; her special sister-cousin, Dolores Anderson (William,) and a host of relatives, friends, and the devoted staff at Delmar Gardens.

Minnette Smith

March 23, 1943 - November 7, 2019