Erlinda Fay Smith

Erlinda Fay Smith was born on July 4, 1963, in Kansas City, MO to the union of Neathy and Lillie Mae Woods. She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. Erlinda graduated top of her class from Van Horn High School in 1981 and was a member of the National Honor Society. She earned a Medical Assistant Diploma and worked as a Medical Assistant while continuing her studies. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas School of Allied Health, Master of Science degree from Florida State University, and was named to Who’s Who Among American Women.

Erlinda was joined in matrimony to Tommy Lee Smith on Sept. 19, 1992.

Erlinda worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 25 years until she began having health issues making it impossible for her to continue. She lived in several states, treating patients in hospitals from coast to coast, taught at Florida A&M University, and provided therapy services to all branches of the military, prisons and the homeless, police and fire departments and Veteran’s Administration.

Erlinda hosted a show on the NOW Network where she shared the gospel of Jesus Christ and spoke on topics such as Black History and the Bible and mental health awareness. She loved warm weather, the sun and the beach. She adored her nieces and nephews and children in general, though she never had any of her own.

Erlinda departed this life on July 21, 2023. Her nephew, Steffon Weldon preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory: mother Lillie Mae Woods and father Neathy Woods of Kansas City, MO; sister Gwendolyn Woods of Independence, MO; brother Eric Lydell Woods of Kansas City, MO; brother DeWayne Lamont Woods of San Diego, CA; nieces Brittany Aldridge of Temple, TX, Tatyana Najee Woods of San Diego, CA and Adrienne Aldridge of Kansas City, MO; nephews Darien Lydell Woods of Independence, MO and Aaron Weldon of Kansas City, MO; 2 great nieces and 1 great nephew, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Professional Services of Comfort Entrusted To: Ferguson Funeral Home, LLC. “ The Funeral Professionals”

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