Lenora McKinnon Campbell

Lenora McKinnon Campbell, age 94, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2020 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.  She was born January 31, 1926 in Bonifay, Florida to Daniel Cameron and Katie Love McKinnon, the youngest child of five.  She graduated from Leonia High School in 1943. The summer prior to graduation, she worked as a cashier and a bookkeeper for Child’s Restaurant.  Following graduation, she was a telegraph operator for the Louisville and National Railroad Company during World War II.  Later, when her childhood sweetheart, Reno Smith returned from the war, they married at Caryville Baptist Church.  The couple resided in Panama City, Florida for eight years, before moving to Holmes County (Pittman Creek Community) in 1954 to live on the farm.

Lenora always enjoyed being involved in her community. She belonged to the 50 Plus Member Homemakers Club and served as president for the New Hope Chapter. She won first place in the State of Florida in Citizenship and was awarded a plaque by Dr. Tiffentela in Gainesville, Florida.  While employed as a life underwriter and a member of the Millionaire Club, she qualified for an all-expense paid trip to the World’s Fair in New York.   Also, she served on the Senior Council of Aging, was a board member of the Holmes County Development Commission for 26 years, and was a charter member of the Homes County Historical Society, but the membership that mattered the most was her church membership.

She was a charter member of West Pittman Baptist Church and had witnessed the growth from a little brush arbor to a little church. Later, it grew to a large brick church complete with a fellowship hall and educational building.  Recently, she had the opportunity to see a beautiful sanctuary erected, and her own grandson become pastor to the congregation.  West Pittman Baptist Church was a true blessing in her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 48 years, Reno Smith, Sr.; two brothers, Dannie Forest and Noah Cartledge McKinnon; two sisters, Christine Jenkins and Charlie Nunziato; and her second husband who passed in 2019, Leonard L. Campbell.

Lenora is survived by two sons, Reno Smith, Jr. and Victor Smith and wife Debra all of Westville, Florida; one step-son, Peter Campbell and wife Anne; five precious grandchildren, Michele Ritzman, Daniel Smith and wife Michelle, Tyler Smith and wife Kaylee, Brandi Sorrells and husband Mark, and Cameron Sumlar; seven great-grandchildren, Anthony, Drake, Logan, Kira, Megan, McKenna, and Saul.

Due to Covid-19, a private graveside will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Holmes County, Florida.  Once the State of Florida lifts the present restrictions for attendance, a service will be held at West Pittman Baptist Church.  A date and time will then be announced and added to the website.

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