LaShelle Marie Smith

LaShelle was born in Lorain, Ohio to Raymond H. Herod, Jr and LaVon P. Herod (Elliott); siblings Raymond III and Hylan. Later, her sister Lisa.

LaShelle is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Raymond H. Herod, Sr, Julia M. Miller, and Elizabeth B. Herod (Dillard); maternal grandparents Gilbert Elliott, Sr and Hazel P. Elliott (Williams) and her brother Hylan.

LaShelle is survived by her beloved sons, Ryan Christopher Smith and Christopher Bryant Smith; her adored daughter-in-love Taylor Smith; her nephew Raymond Herod IV and niece Makenzi Banks along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended church family and friends.

LaShelle’s early life was filled with athletic activities that she excelled in including tennis and cheerleading. She graduated from Elyria High School (Class of ’86) as a member of the National Honor Society, earning a full academic scholarship to The Ohio State University.

Her greatest accomplishment is raising two amazing and loving young men. Ryan and Christopher are her pride and joy. They share an unbreakable bond that is obvious to all who know them – YANS (You Ain’t No Smith). She was able to provide unforgettable adventures for them through her employment at Delta Airlines, Inc. LaShelle was a committed and fiercely protective mother, she did not play about her sons.

Her final place of employment was the United States Postal Service, stationed at the St. Bernard branch (Cincinnati) where she felt incredible support during her health battles. LaShelle never met a stranger and shared many great, long-term friendships with coworkers over the years. She enjoyed her customers on her route and spoke of them often.

The Cincinnati Church of Christ is where LaShelle found her village. Her devotion was always to God first and church second. The church gave LaShelle a space for her to grow in her faith and raise her two sons. Members of the church became more than friends to LaShelle; they became her family.

LaShelle bravely battled breast cancer twice before a recent discovery it had returned. She faced the diagnosis with the same faith and favor God has always provided. She fought until the very end, and you never saw her complain about her circumstances. She carried herself gracefully. With the inevitable challenges of treatment in tandem with her liver function, she resolved to surrender to God’s will for her life. She shared love and hugs while surrounded by family and friends before she left her earthly home for the last time.

Her family is eternally grateful for all the care and kindness shown by her work and church families in these final years. The family is facing an incredible void as LaShelle was the flawless diamond in our box of jewels. Now, she has gone on to serve her most special purpose, and that is why we believe.

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