Lois B. Smith

Lois Beverly Starr Smith went to meet her Savior on August, 19, 2024, one day after her 98th birthday. Lois was born August 18, 1926 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Rev. Roland and Edith Sarah Starr, the third of five children. Lois graduated from Olivet Nazarene College in 1947 and married Ivan Smith upon his return from World War II. She was an educator and taught elementary school until she completed her Master’s degree in Library Science after which she became an elementary school librarian in Kalamazoo. Lois and Ivan attended Cross Community Church of the Nazarene for over 56 years where she served on the church mission board for many years. She was an avid reader, was accomplished at knitting and enjoyed various other crafts. Lois was a gentle, quiet lady who deeply loved her Lord and her family.

Lois is survived by two children, Terry (Gayellen) Smith of Nampa, ID, and Susan Bennett of Punta Gorda, FL; four grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and a sister, Marilyn Starr of Spring Arbor, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ivan, and three of her siblings.

Graveside services for Lois will be held at 11 AM Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, 3941 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo. A luncheon will follow at Cross Community Church of the Nazarene, 5625 Oakland Dr., Portage. Contributions in memory of Lois may be directed to Nazarene Missions International (NMI) c/o Cross Community Church.