Roma L Smith

The stage was set on March 12, 1940 when Roma Sr. and Oner Smith; the fifth child of five, Jewell, Sandy (Herman), Minnie, and Susie, Roma Smith made his debut into the world in Houston, Mississippi.  After the passing of his father, Roma’s family moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas where he started his educational journey in 1955.  His family later moved to Kansas City, Missouri.  Roma was a 1957 graduate of Lincoln High School.

He immediately enlisted in the Navy.  While serving, he came back to visit family, where he married Hope Ward in 1961.  Then off to Hawaii to resume his Navy duties.

To this union was born, Eric Nelson, Rodric Lenior, and Robin Estelle.  His bestie, Don Laster, served along the side of him, whom he affectionally called, “Smitty.”  Later on, Don and Mary became God Parents to the children.

Roma retired from the Navy in 1977 after 22 years of services as an E7 Chief Petty Officer.  He then brought his family back to Kansas City, Missouri that same year, and spent 10 years in the Reserves, totaling 32 years served in the military.

Roma was often call, “Mr. Smith,” by his barber shop friends. 

He started his working career after retirement with Raytheon in Kansas City, Missouri as a Field Service Tech.  Later on, he moved on to Memorex Telex from 1978 – 1994, as the District Manager over Field Engineering, serving all the airline terminals at the Kansas City International Airport with his coworkers, John Hamilton, and Don Fugitt until retiring for the second time.

Roma’s spiritual journey began in the late 80’s. He became a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Earl Abel.  Roma’s mission was caring for people, taking them to their doctor's appointment, taking food to the sick, or sending flowers “Just Because.”  He loved Sunday School and Bible Study. Again, Roma used his “special know how” to set up and operate Palestine’s first sound system for a few years while training someone else to do the job.  He also volunteered in Palestine’s Community Center kitchen and served on the Board of C.O.P.S with Angela Wesson.

Later on in life, his marriage to Hope was dissolved.

Roma’s hobbies were bowling and golfing until his back wouldn’t allow it anymore.  His favorite hobby was cooking with his special pots and pans, and taking pictures of his finish dishes, and sending them to his family and friends, and gardening to make his homemade Chow Chow Relish.  YUM YUM!!

Up to the moment Roma took his last breath, his words were, “I hope I did enough to please God..I Tried..and all I didn’t do, I hope I put it in somebody else’s heart to keep up the good work.. And I’m Tired now…’

Roma has left us with a lifetime of memories.  He will be royally missed.

Roma leaves in the loving care of our God one daughter, Robin Smith of Kansas City, MO; two sons, Rodric Smith of Kansas City, MO, and Eric Smith of Atlanta, GA; six grandchildren, Rosalind, Rachel, Jaaron, Terrance, Lorenzo, and Levester all of Kansas City,MO; two beloved sisters, Minnie Miller of Kansas City, MO, and Mary Burns of Calhoun City, MS; three great- grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Due to the COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roma L Smith, please visit our floral store.