Velma Jean Smith

God called and Velma Jean Smith answered on Friday, July 4, 2025 at the tender age of 80 years old.

Velma Jean was born on May 12, 1945 in Kansas City, Kansas as the 6th child of 11 to Amos and Johnnie Mae White, who both preceded her in making their way to their heavenly father.

Velma grew up in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from the GREAT Sumner High School in 1963. Soon after graduating High school, she married Fred Smith, Jr. in 1964 who she was joined with until God called her home.  They were happily married for over 61 years (nobody but God) and from that union were born two children, Fred (aka Pete) Smith IV (spouse, Pamela-) and Kimberly Gordon.  Fred and Pamela blessed Velma Jean with three grandchildren; Latricia Carter, Aaron Carter and Rae’Anna Smith, and two great grandchildren; Elijah McKinzie and Darion Carter.  Kimberly blessed Velma Jean with one grandchild; Alyssa Gordon. She loved them all dearly.

Velma Jean attended Kansas City, Kansas Community College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 1991, with her Associates Degree in Applied Science, and a Certificate in Professional Secretarial Administration.    

She worked as a Legal Secretary for the law firm of Meeks, Franklin and Whyte from 1963 to 1970. In 1971 to 1976 she was a Legal Secretary for the Legal Dept. of the Board of Public Utilities of Kansas City, Kansas. In 1976 – 1993 she worked and drove from Kansas City, KS, to the Kansas Capital of Topeka, KS to be the Administrative Secretary to the Honorable Judge Benjamin E. Franklin, Chief Judge of the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas until his retirement; and from 1994 to 2004 she continued on at the Kansas State Capital to work as the Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Judge Julie A Robinson, US Bankruptcy Judge and US District Judge.

Velma Jean is better known locally as the general secretary for the Mt. Zion Baptist Church (KCK) Sunday School Ministry, for over 40 years, Vacation Bible School secretary, an active member with the Matron department, as well as, assisting with the children’s Sunbeam department. Velma Jean also served as secretary for the Sumner High School Class of ‘63 Reunion Committee.

She was a member of the National Community College Honor Society; Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta Gamma; Notary Public for the State of Kansas; authored a Manual for Administrative Secretary of Chief Bankruptcy Judge; author of the Handbook for Class Secretaries of Sunday Church School, and in 1993 she was bestowed the honor of being the Recipient of Black Women of Distinction Award for Friend of Yates, Inc.  Velma was also a Member of the Association of Bankruptcy Judges’ Secretaries and was the first black president until 1996.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Johnnie Mae White, her siblings; Raymond White (aka Son), Amos White, Jr., Lillie Oletha Kane, Frankie Mae Essex, Charles White Sr., Tommy White, and Donnie Anderson Sr.

Velma leaves to celebrate her homegoing; her Husband Fred Smith Jr; Children, Fred Smith IV and Kimberly Smith Gordon.  She also leaves her siblings; Richard (Edna) White; Shirley Scott, and Cynthia (Robert) Easley, a huge host of nieces and nephews; relative and friends.

Velma Jean Smith is known for her delicious homemade German Chocolate cake, warm smile, lady-like manner.  She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.  Velma enjoyed reading, traveling, working with children and being an active participant in her church community and family.

Velma was very selfless and put others first. She was soft-spoken, patient, and kind-hearted. She was greatly loved and will surely be missed.

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