Allison London Smith
Allison London Smith
The warmth of her smile, endless compassion for others and leadership in the community will be treasured memories of Allison Margaret London Smith, 78, West Plains, Missouri, as family and friends gather for a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 28, 2021, at the Smith-London Bell Tower on the Missouri State University West Plains Campus, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Allison was a strong woman, passionate about her beliefs, a mentor, shaping the lives of those who looked up to her, but the love of her family was clearly the most important thing to her. She created a close-knit extended family who share in understanding her great achievements. She never left a friend without a hug, a laugh and a feeling you’d meet again soon.
Mrs. Smith passed away at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at her home.
She was born December 1, 1942, at Kansas City, Missouri, to William J. London, Sr., and Emily Allison London. On June 5, 1965, she was married at Kansas City, Missouri, to Dr. Bruce Mitchell Smith, who preceded her in death on May 3, 2001. She graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City and received her Education Degree from University of Missouri. Mrs. Smith was a member of Daughters of American Revolution, Gamma Phi Beta sorority (Lifetime member) and Board of Governors Missouri State University (President). She was an English Teacher at West Plains High School and MSU-WP. She loved her students like they were her own family. She also worked with her husband developing hotels and shopping centers in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. Allison always made others feel special; nothing gave her more satisfaction than someone telling her the story of how she changed their lives for the better.
She is survived by two children, Travis Mitchell Smith and wife, Karen, Dora, Missouri and Chase London Smith, West Plains, Missouri; five grandchildren, Emily Anastasia Smith, Evan Mitchell Smith, Elijah Jackson Smith, Sydney London Smith and Spencer Douglas Gille; one great-grandchild, Duane Mitchell Smith; and her nieces and nephews, Allison Murphy, Betsy Masters, Bill London, Bill Goodnow and Bryon London.
Her parents, husband, one brother, William J. London, Jr. and one sister, Katherine London Goodnow, preceded her in death.
A private burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Allison London Smith Endowed Scholarship Missouri State University West Plains Campus (checks payable to MSU Foundation) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
Mike Stephens
June 24, 2021 @ 9:09 am
So very sorrry,Travis. A beautiful lady. I would like to learn more about her. Hope to visit with you next week.
John Black
June 24, 2021 @ 10:00 am
Travis, sorry to hear. She helped a lot of people and made a difference in this world.
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
June 24, 2021 @ 10:55 am
To all the family and friends; we are so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a lovely lady and will be missed. God bless and bring you comfort.
Gay Stover
June 24, 2021 @ 11:38 am
Chase and Travis,
My heart breaks for you and Tim and I will be praying for you in the coming days, weeks and months.
Love
Gay
Kathy Henderson
June 24, 2021 @ 3:11 pm
Chase so sorry to hear about Mom. Will be praying for you and Travis. Love Kathy
Kathy Beaty
June 24, 2021 @ 3:47 pm
To the Smith family,
You’re in my thoughts and prayers for comfort.
Cherish her memory.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
June 25, 2021 @ 11:59 am
Travis/Karen and Chase and Smith Families,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Allison. During this difficult time all of you will be in our daily prayers and may God comfort, encourage, strengthen, and give each of you peace. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort) and Corby Redburn
Fred H Thornton III
June 27, 2021 @ 7:50 am
Travis and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. The days and moments of grief will occur, but the memories and feelings of her love and support for you will ALWAYS be present in your heart. Love and sympathy. Chip and Nan
Ingrid Burnett
June 27, 2021 @ 1:22 pm
What a beautiful legacy she leaves, Travis! May the angels’ wings raise her up and guide her on her way to heaven.
Jim & Jeanne Swope
June 28, 2021 @ 8:05 am
Travis, Chase and Smith families, Our deepest condolences in your loss of Allison. She was a delightful person to know and it was a privilege to have her as a friend.
Paul Kincaid
June 28, 2021 @ 8:14 am
Allison was one of the kindest people I every knew…..and also one of the toughest…..she was funny…..she loved her family…..she loved West Plains….she loved education…..she loved all campuses of Missouri State University…..as President of the Board of Governors, she showed up at every event and represented the Board and the University well…..I enjoyed working and spending time with her….I will miss her.
Dr. James and Abigayle Lofgren
August 8, 2021 @ 10:17 am
Travis, our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Your parents did many amazing things over the years, yet always had time to grab a bite with us at T.J.’s. We could always enjoy a good verbal sparring match and laughter. Her moxie will live on in your hearts forever.
Ann Bronsing
September 27, 2021 @ 4:52 pm
What a fun and talented woman. “Peachy” and I worked and laughed together in Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. I just learned of her passing and am so sad.
Stephanie Alexander Hamil
January 21, 2022 @ 4:25 pm
“Peachy” was a light in the lives of her Southwest High School classmates, and many of us spent comfortable and happy hours visiting in her home on Walnut. We are proud of all that she has accomplished during her time. And even though we haven’t seen Peachy for years, we remember her well, and most fondly.