Lonnie Smith

Lonnie Ellen Pack Smith (Ellen), the only daughter born to John Mayhew and Alice Juanita (Hull) Pack, began her earthly pilgrimage on January 27, 1932, in Monroe County, WV. She grew up in Charleston, WV. In obedience to the command and in imitation of the example of our Lord Jesus, in baptism, she was born again on January 20, 1947, at Elmwood Church of Christ in Charleston. In response to the Lord's call, she transitioned to the next life on January 13, 2026, in Cleveland, OH.

Ellen was educated in Charleston public schools. She met Wallace Smith, the love of her life, at Garnet High School when they were in drama class together. On April 30, 1949 (Wallace's birthday) they were united in holy matrimony. God blessed their union with a son, Paul Mayhew Smith. Ellen earned a bachelor's degree in history at West Virginia State College. The family remained in Charleston until 1955 when they moved to Cleveland, OH in pursuit of better employment opportunities.Wallace found work at Anchor Industry; however, his initial position was short lived. Just 30 days after securing his new position, he was called to serve in the US Army. During his service, Ellen moved to Cleveland, MS and found a teaching job there. Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, Wallace and his family returned to Cleveland, OH. Wallace resumed his position at Anchor Industry and Ellen found a position as a school secretary in the Cleveland School District. A year later, she began her tenure as an American History teacher at Glenville High School. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she served as senior class advisor for a number of years. Wallace completed his service at Anchor Industry, as personnel manager, in 1990 when the plant closed. In June 1994, Ellen retired from teaching after 37 years of service to Glenville community students.

While teaching school was her chosen secular career path, Ellen had a passion for teaching others about her First Love - Jesus, the Christ, Lord of her life. As a member of His church, she served as a bible class teacher for youth in each of the congregations where she worshiped until 2006. In addition to teaching classes, Ellen also devoted efforts to teaching others about Christ and His church privately. She had a compelling ability to guide others to search the scriptures wherein they could find everything needed for life and godliness. She guided her students of God's word to passages in scripture; however, she forced them to study and learn the message within each passage personally. Because of her patient diligence, others found the truth of the gospel, obeyed it, and were added to the family of God - His Son's church.

Ellen was very witty and had a great sense of humor. She loved making other laugh and cherished fun times with family and friends. She and Wallace enjoyed going out to eat with others following worship services, hosting meals at their home (particularly cook-outs on their patio), playing card games with other couples, attending family reunions, and shopping. She also loved watching classic cowboy and western drama shows and movies.

The message of her transition is a message of hope. Death is not the end for her. It initiates the beginning of her presence with the Lord. Today we celebrate her 93-year journey with gratitude to God for the portions of it He blessed us to share. The legacy of her love, devotion, and service will live on in the lives of those who are left to feel the void realized by her physical departure.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, John Mayhew and Alice Juanita (Hull) Pack, her husband of 62 years, Wallace Smith, and their son, Paul Mayhew Smith. Those left to experience the void of her physical departure are her grandchildren, Pia WaNita (Akima) Rogers of Lanham, MD and Paul Wallace Smith of Cleveland, OH and their children Donovan Bradley Smith, Aidan Hodari Rogers, and Ava Pearl Rogers. Others who will experience the void are her daughter in the gospel and caregiver Beverly Hood, her son's fiancé Loretta Gray, a niece, a host of cousins, her spiritual family, special friends, and former students.