Llana Young Smith

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Llana Young Smith

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

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51 Condolence(s)
Andy Luttrell
MARION, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Dr. Rada,

My apology for not attending the ceremony Sunday. Sherri and I were in Dallas Texas visiting grand child.
I am going to miss Llana so much moving forward in life. I loved her mother and dad so much. I am sorry for you too, and you will always be in our prayers. If you need me, do not hesitate to call me.
Love and prayers,
Sherri and Andy Luttrell

Julanne portis
West memphis, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 29, 2022

Llana planned so many wonderful trips for my family. We will never forget her . .Also, her mother and father were incredible supporters of our local Humane Society . Wonderful people and West Memphis will be a better place because of llana and her family . Julanne Portis

Deb Charbonneau
Jordan, AR
Liked
Sunday, May 29, 2022

John, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Llana. I’ll always remember you & HER giving us the tour of all the Memphis honkey tonks & restaurants! My thoughts & prayers are with you & yours. I know all your great memories together will be a comfort to you.

Susie, Blythe & Samantha Gale
Kippford,
Liked
Sunday, May 29, 2022

Such a shock to hear about our darling friend Llana. From the moment we met in the West Indies in the 80’s, our connection was instant. We cannot imagine how John and the rest of the family are feeling. Sending prayers & so much love to you all.

Bernhard S Clever
St Augustine, FL
Liked
Saturday, May 28, 2022

John, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May your beautiful wife Rest In Peace

Bill McGarry
Orange Beach, AL
Liked
Saturday, May 28, 2022

Great remembrances of you both, and blessings to you John, SKAL

Julia Davis
Memphis, TN
Liked
Saturday, May 28, 2022

Llana was a bright shining star And her light will continue in one of our Father's
many mansions for His Believers. Know you will always be comforted of all the good memories you shared together.
LOVE in CHRIST,
Prudy and Julia

Karen Green Hogue
Blytheville, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 28, 2022

John, I cannot even begin to imagine the loss and grief you feel. Please be comforted by the love and support you gave Llana. She was so competent in her every endeavor...but you gave her even more than she was alone. I'm grateful you were a part of her beautiful life because I know she loved you dearly and the extended family you brought her.

Lucie Brackin
,
Liked
Saturday, May 28, 2022

John - I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful and vivacious bride. I loved working with her on the Foundation Board. She had the best personality and she will be so very missed. Thinking of you and sending prayers of peace for you and your family.

Cliff and Lynda Wise
Hughes, Ar, AR
Liked
Saturday, May 28, 2022

Ie was our pleasure to know Llana for several years. She arranged many trips for us and we were always pleased. Our prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.

Brinley Waddell
Mackay,
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. rest in Peace Llana.

Kelly Kimzey Arterburn
Gulf Breeze, FL
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

I am so saddened to hear the passing of sweet Llana!!! Our prayers and love are with yalll at this time!!

Emily and Bob Bader
Winter Park,, FL
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

John, we are so sad for you and your family. You two were truly soul mates that enjoyed life together with such enthusiasm and passion. We’ll recall the good times we had in Memphis, at Skal Congresses, or traveling in Europe. We are blessed our paths crossed. May you find peace🌹

Mario Hache
Boston, MA
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

Our condolences for your loss John, Your wife was a real treasure and we savored our time together during our Skal Congress in Bermuda when we first met and were personally couched in the Skal code and many more, we’re sending you all our thoughts and prayers from Boston skal and may Llana R.I.P.

Ann Lootens
Bruges,
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

Dear John & family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Llana's passing. She was a very special lady, and I will always remember the good times we had when we met at Skål congressen.
May she Rest In Peace.

John & Deb Tucci
Sarasota, FL
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

Dear Llana
You are so missed….you ARE a dear friend from many years ago and good times.
Bless you dear friend and you already know you’ll be remembered
Bless you

Lorene Sartan
Smyrna, GA
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

Prayers and Sincere Condolences from Skal International Atlanta

connie Lampen
Cordova, TN
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

John, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Llana's bright smile was filled with her love and faith. You and your family are in my prayers.

Betty Ann Reschenberg
Germantown, TN
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a wonderful lady and a great friend.

Jean Terry Maxwell
Texarkana, AR
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

John, I will always cherish many fond memories of Llana from age 2 on through high school cheerleading and even attending my husband’s funeral in Pine Bluff 3 years ago. Looking forward to seeing you in West Memphis on the 12th

Werner Flegel alias Werner Skal Bielefeld
Bad Lippspringe,
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

People we love stay forever because they leave a mark on our hearts

Toni Koster
Parrish, FL
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

John we are so sorry for your loss. We loved Llana and you. Be strong in this moment.

Debbie and Kyke Arett
Henderson, NV
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

What a very special lady LLana was and will always hold a special place in hearts. Her passion for life and her love for the travel business was unique in her own way. We have many finds memories from Skal events and she will always be respected as the first Woman SIUSA president in a male dominated travel management organization!

Kathy Foster Ashley
Lake Village, AR
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

My heart is breaking. Llana was like a big sister to me. We both loved Miss State University and looked forward to our foundation gatherings. She loved my Mom and Dad as she did her own. She was a bright light wherever she went.
My thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort are with John and his family.

Susie Sargent
Lakeland, TN
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

Dear John,

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family for the loss of your beloved Llana. My prayers are for you and family during this difficult time. May God comfort you and give you the strength to endure.

Sarah Massey
Senatobia, MS
Liked
Friday, May 27, 2022

Will miss her laugh and entergery she brought to any occasion. Wish we could have had one more time to sit on the porch and watch it rain.Love you John.

Stanley East
Memphis, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

I just want to give you my condolences John, I'm back at Waterford Plaza, and heard about Llana yesterday. You are in my thoughts and prayers

Jane and Gary Kimzey
Counce, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

Dear John,
We are so saddened to learn of Llama’s death! We will miss her so much! She was always a lady and a joy to be around. She loved you and your children and grandchildren very much! We will miss her smile!
Our love, Jane and Gary Kimzey

Jeff & Dalinda Penner
Norman, OK
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John…. We are so sad to hear the passing of Llana… She was a very special woman and we have the best memories of sharing fun times with you both while in SKAL. Good bless you

Carolyn S Lorent
El Mirage, AZ
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

May prayers be with the family

Cyndi Sauer
Wilmington, NC
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John,
My heart goes out to you. May God rest her soul and give you comfort in your time of sorrow.
Llama will be missed by all.
I am so sorry for your loss and will cherish our time together and all she championed for Skal.

Melanie H. Sugg
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

Llana was a friend of mine from church and from school as we were growing up. I always admired her. I would have loved to see her again. I send all of her family my sincere condolences and prayers.

Kathleen Jacobs
Southaven, MS
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John, I am so sorry and heartbroken to hear about Llana. She was my "Queen" and will be forever in my heart. You are in my prayers and will forever be my "Knight" ! Kathy Jacobs

Bert and Connie Robinson
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

To know you both is to love you dearly. Our hearts go out to you and your precious family now and always. Llana was a true and loving friend to us and will be remembered. You are in our prayers and thoughts each day. Her life is truly a celebration and she would not have it any other way. We love you..

Beth Heflin
Germantown, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John
I am so very sorry to hear of Llana’s passing. I remember so fondly our workout days with Dion and all the fun we had. She was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by so many
Thinking of and praying for you at this time

Denise Newton Little
Memphis, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

So saddened by the news of Llana’s passing. I have wonderful memories of you and her at all those Carnival parties we shared. Take care, John. Hugs,

Sandy Brewer
Arlington, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John, so sorry to hear that Llana has passed. She was so much fun to be with. Thank you all for hosting dinner many times. Memories we will always treasure. I know this is such a hard time for you. I’m still praying for you.
See you soon Llana

Laurie Williams
Madison, MS
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

I have no words. Llana made life interesting and she always had helpful suggestions to difficult problems. I loved her southern drawl and her classy always put together looks. I am heart broken that you are gone- I can hear your laugh in my mind and it makes me smile.

Scott Smith
Bangkok,
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

So sorry, John and family. Llana's smile lit up the room. Sending you love and aloha from Thailand.

Julia Robinson
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John I have talked to Llana on her birthday for over 20 years. Before that my Mother talked to her every year because she shared the same birthday with my deceased brother, Woodson. Llana was like a big sister to me. She taught me how to roll my hair and put on makeup. She mentored me in big girl things when I was in Jr High and High School. We lived around the corner from each other and every time she came home from college I went to visit her. I was so sad when I could not get her on the phone this year. I texted and called to no avail. Finally I called Lou E. Moore and she told me of Llana’s Illness. I asked her to pass on a message to you from me so you could tell Llana I had not forgotten her. I will never forget her. Ever. I am praying for you as I know your heart is crushed too. I am mourning with you - 💔Julia Robinson

Stacy Ward McAdams
GERPONVILLE,
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

I just saw this unbelievably sad post! I had no idea. I am terribly saddened. I had know Llana for many years and although we lived far apart, each time we me was an explosion of joy and positivity. She was totally unique and unforgettable.

Cindy Cloyd
Marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

I am so sorry to see this. I loved this girl and enjoyed so many visits.

Janet Rast
Germantown, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

I cannot tell you how sorry I am for this loss. When I was pregnant with my second daughter, I told Llana I would name her after her and I did. I saw her a couple.of years ago at GPAC and it was a sweet reunion. Love you, Llana

Arthur and Liz Rust
Germantown, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

Liz and I were so shocked and saddened to hear of Llana’s passing. She was a good friend to us and a mentor to our daughter Amy. She will be missed.

Greg and Cathy Dulin
Centerton, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John, I am so shocked and saddened to read this news. We love Llana, always have and always will. How blessed we are to have known her. We love you and the boys and will keep you in our prayers.

Joyce Wright
Memphis, TN
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John
I’m so sorry to hear about Llana, she was a loving person and she always made me feel special and glad to see me. You and your family are in my prayers. Love ❤️ Joyce

sharon howard
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John, I am so sad to hear about Llana! As you said, to know her was to love her! My sincere sympathy and prayers for the coming days.

Bryan Rada
Oldsmar, FL
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

Dad,
We are all so very heartbroken by your loss, but at the same time amazed / inspired by the love and dedication that you both always had for each other. We love you very much and need you to continue to be strong in the days ahead. Love you!

Llana,
We all love and miss you so much! You are in a better place and we will see you again someday, please save us a good spot. Love you!

Roger Atkins
Bauxite, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John, I am saddened by the loss of Llana. What a wonderful friend she was for over 20 years. You are in my prayers.

Margaret Stringfellow
.marion, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

My Condolences to the Family 🙌

SHERRY FINCHER
West Memphis, AR
Liked
Thursday, May 26, 2022

John,
I am so sorry to hear of Llana's passing..you are in my thoughts & prayers.