In Memory of

Loraine

Smith-Boyd

Obituary for Loraine Smith-Boyd

Loraine Smith Boyd, affectionately called “Lolo” departed this life amongst her children on April 10, 2018 at Toledo Hospital. She was born to the union of James and Mary-Louise Long on June 20, 1944 in Jacksonville, FL. Sadly her mother passed away, from Tuberculosis when she was an infant. At that point she went to live with her paternal grandmother, Anne E. Howard (Granny). Granny and Loraine relocated to Toledo, OH in 1951 to reside with her Aunt Lucy (father’s sister) and Uncle Joe-Nathan Robinson. Loraine was raised by her grandmother and auntie to be a faithful member of Phillips Temple AME Church where she sang beautifully in the choir.

Loraine was always an exceptional student, attending Lincoln Elementary School and graduating from Jessup W. Scott High School in 1962. She built life-long friendships there, with Barbara, Fran, Sylvia and Effie. She also met her first husband and father of her children, Allen Tyrone Smith, Sr.

From their union, four talented children were born: Kelly, Allen Jr. (Speedy), Tanya and Gerri. Anyone who knew Loraine knew her children were her pride and joy.

After attending the University of Toledo, she worked as a nursery school teacher and she used the skills she learned there to instill a love of learning in her children. But her greatest career success was in sales. She could sell matches to firefighters, as her colleagues at Ohio Bell and later Ameritech would attest. In a time when there were not many women leaders in the marketplace, she moved up the corporate ladder, becoming a high-producing sales manager. There she met her dear friend Inger (Canady) Murdock and her sons. The boys spent so much time at the Smith-Boyd home people often thought they were the younger brothers.

Lolo was a fantastic cook and outstanding decorator. Almost everyone here today has enjoyed her hospitality and cakes made from scratch. She was also a fashionista, who loved to dress to the nines, wearing four-inch heels and rocking her unique version of the “frosted hair flip.”

She and her second husband, Tommie Boyd, enjoyed many years together engaging in travel and dinner parties with mutual friends. They found great pleasure celebrating his term as Potentate of Mecca Temple #43.

Loraine was a woman of faith and prayer. She met Brother Alonzo Wright at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. He has been a godly and faithful companion for the past ten years, spoiling her with kindness and expressions of love. In addition, she often led the song “Order My Steps” bringing congregations to their feet. Most recently, she was the “First Mother” of NuAir Church, Pastor, Allen T. Smith, Jr.

Loraine was preceded in death, by her husband Tommie Boyd, parents James and Mary Long and grandmother, Anne E. Howard.

She leaves to cherish her memory Kelly (Kenneth Sr.) Wilson, Allen (Vontyna) Smith Jr., Tanya (Terry) Files and Gerri (Darnell) Peters, Step Children: Thomas-Eric Boyd, Michelle Boyd. Cousins: James Ronnie (Gayle) Robinson, Sr., ReShay (Robert Jr.) Thompson. Brothers-in-law: Christopher (Shirley) Smith, Sr., Johnnie Willis, Sr. Grandchildren: Ashley (Julian) Rockwood, Briana, Deidra, Paiton, Kenneth Jr., Kyler, Darion and Koah. Great-grandchildren, Kingston, Darren and Landon. “Surrogate daughter” Tiffany (Miguel) Campbell and special friend, Alonzo Wright in addition to a host of beloved family and friends.