Belinda Anne Smith

Belinda Anne Smith, age 50, of Knoxville, if you knew Belinda Anne Smith for more than ten minutes, you are feeling today as if you have lost a life-long friend. Belinda entered into eternal life January 6th, 2016 surrounded by family and close friends. Her spirit is carried on by her father Quinton Lee Smith, siblings Patricia Edington, Donna Roy and Pamela Smith, her beloved nieces and nephews, and her mother, the late Jeanine Madeline LeBras Smith. Born in Chicago on March 15th 1965, Belinda’s family moved to Tennessee when she was 4 years old to open the family business in Sweetwater. She was a graduate from The University of Tennessee in Early Childhood Education. It was there that she met her lifetime friends. Belinda was a teacher--not just an ordinary teacher, but an extraordinary life teacher. Children adored her. As a preschool teacher, she spent her life teaching students of all ages and disabilities without judgement. Not just the wealthy, but also the poor, youngest and most vulnerable. She taught them right from wrong, to do the right thing, and to make the right choices. She was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church. She spent many years at Messiah Lutheran Church serving in the nursery and with church activities. For Belinda, she always looked for the best in everyone. Belinda’s mission in life in order of importance were; To make a difference; To represent a multitude of positive attributes; To live a life of constant learning; To evoke a completeness from ALL of life’s lessons. Belinda made a difference in the many lives she touched. To quote Belinda: “What is the purpose of life if you didn’t touch the lives of others?” She loved life and all of life’s experiences. She would admit that she was 110% stubborn, and she used that to never let things slow her down. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 9th from 1pm to 2pm followed by a celebration of Belinda’s life, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike, (865) 588-9753 At Belinda’s request, In lieu of flowers –that memorial gifts be designated to The University of Tennessee Medical Center & UT Graduate School of Medicine. Memorial gifts can be made online at utmedicalcenter.org/make-a-gift or mailed to The Development Office, University of Tennessee Medical Center, 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920. Please print Belinda A. Smith Foundation in the memo line. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com

Belinda Anne Smith

March 15, 1965 - January 6, 2016