Obituaries
Kendra Smith, Age 46 , Died September 24, 2023.
On Sunday, August 24, 2023, at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, angels greeted Mrs. Kendra Tennille Rayner Smith into the loving arms of Jesus. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Rayner; grandparents,James Nelson Rayner, Charlie and Ethel Lockett.Kendra was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 14, 1976 to Michael and Janice Rayner. She was always able to enjoy the best of life through her faith, creativity and incredible work ethics.Kendra was baptized as a child at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. James Netters. She later exercised her spiritual gifts at New Direction Christian Ministries.
Kendrapicked up her favorite hobby of fishing from her husband Josh. She enjoyed fishing excursions to Florida with her coworkers. She loved to travel and looked forward to her and Joshcelebrating their wedding anniversary each yearin Jamaica. Her dad’s grilling of chicken, burgers and steakswere one of her main requests of him as she knew it would be savory to her appetite.
Kendra met her husband, Josha, in Jackson. In the presence of many family members and friends, they were united in holy matrimony on November 5, 2016 in Atlanta, GA. In 2018, One of Kendra’s dreams was to have a home built from the ground up; she and Josh were blessed to fulfill her desire and resided in a beautiful home in Smyrna, GA, until her passing.
Kendra always believed in excelling in the educational opportunities afforded her. Her elementary education started at Doubletree Elementary School and Havenview Junior High School where she was on the cheerleading squads; she attended Whitehaven High School and graduated from Central High School in 1994. Between 1994 and 2008 she attended the University of Memphis, gaining a BA in Health Care Administration. Her first medical training was received in 1999 at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.In 2010, Kendra was awarded her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She later returned to the University of Phoenix to further her job skills and certifications in the area of Management and Organizational Leadership.
Kendra applied herself by engaging in an industry of service to care for the health of God’s people. Working for several hospitals starting in 1999, she was a Respiratory Therapist in the Crittenden Regional Hospital. In 2001, Kendra was a Neuro-cardiopulmonary Technician at the Delta Medical Center of Memphis. In 2004, she began working as a Respiratory Therapist at Methodist University Hospital, for five yearsin Memphis. Kendra entered the management field as a Non-invasive Cardiology Manager in 2008 at Regional One Health, Memphis. In 2009,she became a Clinical Care Specialist, Account Executive,with Universal Hospital Services. In 2014, Kendra began travelling extensively throughout Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and Louisianain her new position with the First Nation Group as a Regional Sales Manager. She enjoyed her job thoroughly, and received several accolades for her services, until her demise.
Kendra leaves to mourn: husband, Joshua Smith; step-daughter, JohKeria Smith; father, Michael Rayner, Sr.; brother, Michael Rayner, II (Ashley); grandmother, Gordie Lawson; mother-in-law, Alycia Smith; sister-in-law, Gabriel Smith; brother-in-law, Matthew Smith; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces, and other friends and relatives.Kendra will be missed tremendously by all of us. However, we will garner her spirit with us always remembering the lives she touched and the love she shared.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901) 379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
6
Oct
1626 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
6
Oct
1626 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
