Laveta Fern Smith, 55, passed away after a long battle with cancer, early Monday morning, July 11, 2022. She was born on May 28, 1967 in Osceola, MO, to Curtis and Fern Kauffman and her three older brothers, Alvin, Calvin, and Ivan.
Laveta was in the graduating class of 1985 in Weaubleau, MO. She took some college classes in Springfield, MO. Later in life she became a certified EMT. The majority of her working career was spent at Benton County Health Department.
On September 21, 1986 her friends set her up on a blind date, where she would meet the love of her life, Junior. They dated for four years before getting married on October 6, 1990. They had their first daughter, Amanda Jane in July 1993 and their second daughter, Hunter Renea in June 1996. They had a beautiful farm, where they raised their family.
Laveta enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Her girls were her sunshine on a cloudy day. One of her favorite things to do was lay on the beach. Whether it was the beach at the pond or at the ocean, she always wanted to be sun-kissed and have her toes in the sand.
As a young girl, Laveta was saved by Jesus Christ and baptized with her dad. She joined Freedom Missionary Baptist Church, after attending several years with her husband.
Laveta was preceded in death by her mother, Fern Amanda and father, Cecil Curtis Kauffman; husband, Eddie Milton Smith Jr.; father-in-law, Eddie Milton Smith Sr.
She was survived by her daughters, Amanda Jane (husband, Nikolaus Barrett) of Clinton, MO and Hunter Renea (husband, Rhett Burkhart) of Collins, MO; grandchildren, Amelia Jane Barrett and Oliver Alan Burkhart; brothers, Alvin Lee Kauffman (wife, Sherry) of Osceola, MO, Calvin Lee Kauffman (wife, Kelly) Collins, MO, and Ivan Curtis Kauffman (wife, Cheryl) of Weaubleau, MO; mother-in-law, Francis Jane Smith of Quincy, MO, and sister-in-law, Kimberli Jane Greer (husband, Jeff Greer); and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Sissy will be greatly missed by many family and friends. She was a light in anyone’s life she touched. Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not.
7 Condolences for Smith, Laveta
Condolences(7)
Thom KNott says
July 12, 2022 at 8:45 amSo sad for your loss, a truly fine woman.
Daniel Lynch says
July 13, 2022 at 4:13 pmPrayers for all of you
Curtis. Hays says
July 13, 2022 at 5:18 pmSorry for your loss. Prayers with you
Patricia Richardson says
July 13, 2022 at 7:08 pmYour family is in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Laveta at the Health Department she was always sweet and had a kind word. She will be greatly missed.
Amie & David Breshears says
July 14, 2022 at 8:20 amOur thoughts and prayers are with you all. Laveta was a wonderful lady!
Mrs. McCubbin says
July 15, 2022 at 6:02 pmGirls, I am so sorry.
Mrs. McCubbin
Leona Trout says
July 18, 2022 at 8:15 amOnly had the pleasure of working with Laveta a short time. Always with a smile and a kind word. She will be missed by many. Prayers for her family.