Lanita J. Smith Brown

Lanita Jo Runyon Smith Brown, 84, of Rockford, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, surrounded by those who loved her most. She was born on November 11, 1939, in Pikeville, KY the daughter of Joe and Georgia (Clark) Runyon. She was retired from Bishop Buffet and a member of First Baptist Church of Machesney Park. Lanita enjoyed time with her family. She was an avid shopper and a devout banana split fan. She enjoyed reading, eating out, and attending church when her health allowed.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband and the love of her life, Louie R. Smith; grandson, Andrew Smith; sisters, Daphene Humphries and Mavella Ray; brother, Homer Runyon; half-brother, Loris Nunnery; and stepson, Troy Brown. She is survived by her bonus blessing and second husband, Charles M. Brown; daughter, Deidria (Danny) Cantwell; son, Randall (Kim) Smith; stepdaughter, Treina (Christopher) Kairy; 5 grandchildren, Christopher (Kelly) Cantwell, Elizabeth (Rob) Burckardt, Stephanie (Chase) Slusher, Bradley Smith, and Amber Smith; 6 great grandchildren, Emerson and Elliott Cantwell, Dawson and Wyatt Burckardt, Abigail and Colt Slusher; and brother, Clarence Runyon of Hazard, KY; sister, Peggy Parker of Pikeville, KY.

A public visitation will be on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A Funeral Service will follow the visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Youth Group of First Baptist Church of Machesney Park, 718 Harlem Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115.