Vonnette C. Smith

Vonnette C. Smith, 91, of Morris, passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021 in Morris. Born November 5, 1930 in Alamo, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Alfred & Maude (Warren) Conley.
Vonnette married the love of her life, Lynwood Smith in 1953 and they raised 2 children, Tana & Mike. Since Lynwood was in the United States Air Force, Vonnette and her family have lived around the world including Biloxi, MS, the Philippines and eventually settling at Scott AFB in the St. Louis area. Vonnette graduated with highest honors from SIU-Edwardsville in 1969 and taught 6th grade math for 20 years. She was a very intelligent lady with a strong Christian faith. After her retirement, she and Lynwood joined the Sojourners – a group of mostly retired Christians who own RV’s. Their goal is national evangelism. Upon request, the Sojourners travel to smaller congregations of the Church of Christ & Church of Christ Christian camps to help them grow both spiritually and perform physical labor such as painting, electrical, plumbing – whatever the need might be. They sold their home in Murray, KY, put their belongings in storage, and from 1994-2006 began their travel for this worthy cause. After 2006, they moved to Dickson, TN to be with other Sojourn friends and family. They moved to Morris in 2018 to be closer to immediate family.
Vonnette is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Lynwood, and children Tana (Rick) Nordaker of Morris and Mike (Ellen) Smith of Labadie, MO. Grandchildren Brooke (Rob) Knenlein, Matt (Shay) Nordaker, Meg (Nick) Rodriguez, Jordan Smith & great grandchildren Ryan & Sean Knenlein.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation for Vonnette will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:45 am. A celebration of Vonnette’s life will follow at 10:45 am officiated by Rev. Dr. Roy Backus of the First Presbyterian Church in Morris. Burial will be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
An online guestbook has been created for the family, where you may sign the guestbook, share memories and photographs. You may visit our website at www.ucdaviscallahan.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home located at 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL 60450.