Iona Smith

December 30, 1935 - January 14, 2017

Iona was born on December 30, 1935 in Winnsboro, LA. She passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017. Iona and her husband, Lee Smith, Jr., celebrated 42 years of marriage. She was a loving, devoted, dedicated wife and mother to their three children, Regina Lynn, Sonja and Ivan. Iona was a graduate of Carroll High School in 1954. She is a graduate of Southern University and the University of Arizona. Iona was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Monroe, LA. Iona’s life long career as a guidance counselor was a journey of faith and excellence. She began her career as a fourth grade teacher at Swayze Elementary in Monroe where she taught for nine years. Iona moved to Tucson, Arizona where she earned her master’s degree and became a guidance counselor. She moved back to Monroe and became the guidance counselor at West Monroe Jr. High for five years. She once again moved back to Tucson and served as the Dean of Students at the University of Arizona. Upon her return to Monroe she was employed as a guidance counselor in the Ouachita Parish School System from 1978 – 1994. After retiring, Iona never lost her desire to learn or work. She continued her educational studies in computer literacy and volunteered for various organizations. Neighbors and friends knew Iona was just a phone call away to help anyone in the community in need of assistance. Her last volunteer work was done at Swayze Elementary in the library in the spring of 2016. Iona is preceded in death by her parents: Atren and Lewis Kent, Buford. and Pat Ervin, Sr, one sister Jeraline Mayfield, her husband, Lee Smith, Jr. and her son, Ivan Wayne Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory two loving and devoted daughters, Regina Lynn (Noel) Haynes and Sonja (Brian) Schaffer, four grandchildren, Leon (Randy) and Tiffaney Schaffer, Noel Mikki Schaffer, Tyara Smith and Noel Haynes, II. Three great-grandchildren, Ivy Hope Schaffer, Tyce Emmanuel Schaffer and Tristan Wayne Smith. She also leaves two sisters, Greta and JoAnn Ervin and two brothers, Buford and Curtis Ervin, all of California and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.