Anne LaVonne (Cleveland) Smith

We regretfully announce the death of Anne LaVonne Smith, of Abilene, Texas on September 9, 2021. After a long battle congestive heart failure, overcoming a tracheotomy, and ventilation, her life was graciously extended by her Lord and Savior an additional two years. However, she finally succumbed to complications of pneumonia.

Anne was born five minutes after her twin sister, LaVerne, in Las Cruces, New Mexico on July 10, 1943. The two sisters were inseparable from that day to her last, maintaining their weekly hairdresser appointments until last Saturday.

She met her husband, John W. Smith Sr. when he was stationed in Abilene, Texas in the US Air Force.  Their love grew quickly, and they were married on December 21, 1959. Anne's lifelong faith and love of God was contagious, and soon John felt called to the ministry. Anne was a devout minister's wife, as she and John served the Lord at the many congregations where they were called to minister.  From children's church leader, to Sunday school teacher, as a confidant to many couples in marriage counseling, to a Missionette Leader, Anne served both the church and her God for the duration of her life.

Anne was a wonderful mother, and amazing grandmother. She worked tirelessly to ensure her family's needs were always cared for. When John and Anne returned to Abilene, Texas in 1985, she continued as a minister's wife as they pastored at Glad Tidings Assembly of God, while simultaneously working at Abilene Christian University. Anne was a Beacon of light to the staff and students alike. She received countless letters over the years thanking her for her tireless efforts as the Assistant Director of Student Financial Services. She retired only to assist in the care of her grandchildren, when their youngest daughter returned to Abilene, taking on the full time role of Mimi to all.

Anne was known throughout circles great and small. From the homeless she ministered to, who would stop her and ask, "Mimi could you pray for me?" to the students she spent hours searching for financial aid funding so they could finishing their education, Anne truly went the extra mile. She had an amazing sense of humor, always loving a practical joke, or to laugh in the face of sorrow. She always answered the call in the wee hours of the morning for prayer, and cherished her children and grandchildren above all else in life.

The family will host a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, at Spirit Life Assembly of God, 1010 Cypress Street, Abilene.  Another time of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, at the church, with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Cody Cochran and Rev. Sam Earp will officiate.    Anne will be laid to rest in the State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to her husband, Rev. John w. Smith, Sr.

Anne is survived by her husband, Rev. John W. Smith Sr., her son, John W. Smith Jr and her daughter-in-law Rose Smith, her daughter Cynthia Foster and her daughter-in-law Sonia Foster, and her twin sister Laverne Morris, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces.

Please leave kind thoughts and condolences for the family at www.stevensfuneralhome.com.

If you are unable to attend the service, it will be live-streamed through our website.