of Cordova, TN

May 3, 1952 - May 24, 2022

Llana Young Smith-Rada

Cordova, TN Llana Young Smith-Rada went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. She was 70 years young and leaves behind her loving husband, Dr. John B. Rada III, who she shared her life and love with for over 23 years.

Llana was born on May 3, 1952 to Lorena ''Rockie'' and Allan ''A.B.'' Boyd Smith, Jr. in Blytheville, Arkansas. After she graduated from Blytheville High School in 1970, Llana earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University in 1974, followed by a master's degree in Microbiology at Ole Miss. She was a proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority and the DAR.

Llana went on to pursue a successful career as a travel agent and opened her own travel agency (Broadway Travel) in West Memphis, AR. Llana received awards and accolades from her peers in the tourism business, including being named the first ever Madam President of Skal International-USA (SIUSA). Llana served on Boards for West Memphis, AR, Arkansas State University (Mid-South) and Mississippi State University.

To know Llana was to love her. As soon as she entered a room, her vibrance and enthusiasm captured the space and attention of all those around. Whether she was correcting your grammar, etiquette at the table or directing you where to sit, it was always from a place of love. It was never meant to offend, so if you felt offended in the past from something Llana said to you, you now know the truth, she truly cared about you.

On August 8, 2008, Llana married the love of her life, Dr. John Rada, who adored, supported and praised Llana in every way. Llana and John enjoyed traveling and John continued to support her efforts to effect positive change in the city of West Memphis, Arkansas State University (Mid-South) and Mississippi State University. Llana was a follower of Christ, a friend to all, beautiful inside and out and loved John's children and grandchildren as her own bragging on their various achievements on a daily basis.

Souvenirs and pictures overflowed their home, highlighting Llana's love of life and adventure. Llana's treasured mementos were strategically placed and you were brave if you ever moved a single piece, Lessons learned. Llana lived her beautiful life to the absolute fullest through countless trips around the world, spending time at the farm and at her beloved Mississippi State University, all with the love of her life, Dr. John Rada. John was by her side all the way to the end, solidifying his unwavering love and devotion to his bride.

She was preceded in death by her mother, (Lorena J. ''Rockie'' Smith) and father (Allan ''A.B.'' Boyd Smith, Jr.). She is survived by her husband, Dr. John Burton Rada III; her three step-children, Mr. Johnny Rada, Mr. Bryan Rada (Sarah) and Mrs. Julie R. Leerskov (Calvin) and six loving step-grandchildren.

A private family service will be held on Saturday, May 28th. A Celebration of Llana's beautiful life will be held on Sunday, June 12th, at 2:00PM at Meadowbrook Country Club, 1250 W Broadway Ave, West Memphis, 72301.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Llana Y. Smith and Dr. John B. Rada Endowed Fund for Excellence within the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University. If you wish to send a gift in Llana's honor, you can do so by mailing it to Mississippi State University, c/o MSU Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, or give online at www.msufoundation.com

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com