Obituary of Lawrence Anthony Smith

Lawrence Anthony Smith was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 28, 1969.  He was the only child born from the union of Charlie Joe Archie and Pauline (Smith) Allen.  Unfortunately, following childbirth, Pauline never left the hospital and passed away just one month later.  Lawrence was soon adopted by his paternal grandparents: James and Ellen (Ellison) Smith.  They provided him with a loving and nurturing home. 

Lawrence attended Lincoln Elementary and Monroe Middle School.  As a child he was an exceptional athlete, excelling especially at track and basketball, lettering in both at Monroe High School.  He graduated in 1987 and attended Siena Heights University on a track scholarship. 

Lawrence was blessed with five children.  After marrying the former Evelyn Pettaway in Monroe on March 16, 2010, he was able to add her eight children to his family as well.  For many years he worked as a handyman, sharing his gifts with those that needed them most. 

A lifelong area a resident he was a man of faith and a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church.  He seemed to have no fear, even as a young boy, he often sat near the Front Street exit from I-75 and greeted people, giving directions to those who were lost.  As he matured his love for conversation and people only grew, from visiting in person to having a conversation on the phone, he loved human contact. 

Lawrence enjoyed being outside, regularly walking to his destinations.  He continued his love of sports, watching and playing throughout his life.  He enjoyed music of all types and loved to eat with collard greens and hot peppers being two of his favorite dishes. 

Lawrence Anthony Smith, age 53 of Monroe passed away at 5:34 p.m. on Thursday; September 21, 2023, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital where he had been for three weeks.  His passing was preceded by his mother; his paternal and maternal grandparents; a stepson: Ben; and four brothers: Robert Ellison, Ronald Overstreet, Thomas Ellison, Charles Smith; and Very special Uncle: John Jacob “Daddy” Smith.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife: Evelyn Pettaway-Smith of Toledo; his father: Charlie Joe Archie of Junction City, Kansas; four children: Lawrence (Bianka) Smith-Valdez of Texas, Shaquille (Cody) Smith of Sanford, Michigan, Shahara Isaac, Katela Worrell of Monroe; and Tyler Worrell of Monroe; seven stepchildren: Timothy, Raymond, Aris, Jermaine, Shareece, and Shyiesha all of Toledo, and Stacie of Monroe; seven siblings: Vanessa L. (Joseph) Archie-Williams of Georgia and Charlene A. (Steven) Berger of Florida, Carol A. Smith, Isac Smith, David Smith, Ronell Smith, and Richard Hoskins-Ellison all of Michigan; thirteen grandchildren with one grandson on the way; twenty-six step grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a special niece; Dorsey “Prissy” Smith, three special nephews Anthony Hoskins, Marshall Kyles, Jr., and Maleik Linton.

Friends may gather from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday; September 29, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Homegoing Service Celebrating His Life will take place at 2:00 p.m.  also at Merkle’s.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Smith Family.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.