Mrs. Elaine Smith

Elaine Smith of Peoria, IL departed this life on June 19, 2024, at her residence at 1:32 a.m. Elaine was born on November 12, 1958, in Youngstown, Ohio to Henry Casey Smith and Geraldine Bridgette Smith. Elaine received her elementary and high school education in Youngstown, Ohio, graduating from North High School in 1976. She furthered her education at Youngstown State University. Elaine was an amazing cook and would feed a stranger that would then become a friend. Her most enjoyable pastime was being with her family, laughing, and talking her mess with them. Elaine accepted Christ at a young age, she was a member of Church of the Living God of Peoria. Elaine last worked as a cashier at Bradley University where she had fun with her co-workers and encouraged the students to keep working hard. Elaine met and married Lionel Sledge Sr. on February 15, 1997, in Peoria, IL. Elaine leaves to cherish her precious memory: her husband Lionel Sledge Sr.; six sons; Donte (Nicole) Smith of Peoria, Alan (Alicia) Smith of Minneapolis, MN, Kelsie (Monique) Deer of Pensacola, FL, Lionel (Paulette) Sledge Jr., Ryan Alexander of Peoria, IL and Raymond (Trina) Russell of Orlando, FL, four daughters; Vernonica Alexander, Latoya Drain, both of Peoria, Tasha Drain of Memphis, TN, Ashley Perkins, of Baton Rouge, LA, one goddaughter, Maleka Miller of Peoria, IL; four brothers; Lepear (Linda) Smith of Massillon, OH, Vernon Smith of Youngstown, OH, Haywood (Shirette) Perry, and Willie (Helen) March of Peoria, IL, eight sisters; Vinnie Bey of Pittsburgh, PA, Hazel (Elder Micheal) Williams of Peoria, Henrietta Williams of Campbell, OH, Evelyn (James) Pierce of Youngstown, OH, Bernice (Rev. James) Robinson, Chillicothe, IL, Georgia Common-Stevenson, Josephine Davis, and Ernestine Brock of Peoria, IL; and a sister in love, Mary Lee Bonds of Dallas, TX. A host of grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her mother in love Barbara Jean Harris, one daughter, Latasha Sledge, a grandson whom she raised Steven “Mousie” Smith, five brothers Calvin Smith, John Smith, Eddie Bonds, Gary Carter, and LC Davis, two sisters, Mattie Fleming, and Geraldine Mack, one god-sister, Alberta Ross-Bevly. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church at 11:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Alvin Riley Sr., Pastor, will host and Elder Michael Williams will officiate and bring Words of Comfort. Arrangements were made especially for the “Smith” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. Elaine will be laid to rest at Springdale Cemetery. Live streaming can be viewed by clicking the link for TW Parks Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Elaine Smith, please visit our Sympathy Store

Mrs. Elaine Smith

November 12, 1958 - June 19, 2024