Rachel Marie Smith

Rachel Marie Smith was born March 29, 1953 in Cairo, Illinois. She was the daughter of Mary Estella Atcher Harvey.

Rachel was the eldest of 6 siblings and moved to Danville in 1955. She enjoyed playing games on her phone, watching Disney movies, eating snacks, and spending time with her loved ones. Rachel gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. She graduated from Danville High School in 1971. Upon graduation, she went on to be employed by Tee Pak Credit Union and retired after 35 years. Rachel then decided to go to cosmology school. She was a lady of many talents and wore a number of different hats. This included a talented seamstress, artist, singer, and culinary artist.

Rachel was affectionately called Marie by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Estella, step father Columbus Harvey, and her siblings, Cassandra, Patricia, Ronnie, and Angel. She was blessed with three children, Jermaine Atcher, Lashawnda Smith, both of Danville IL., and Felicia Hancock of Ypsilanti, MI. In addition to her children, she leaves to cherish her memory a sister, Tawanda (Alfred) Kirkland Sr. of Cairo, IL. Her grandchildren; Jazmine Brooks, Jayda Brooks, Jaishawna Brooks, Taniya Reinhart, Sa'Miyah Scott, Jermaine Brooks Jr., Jeuan Brooks, Giovanni Lowenstein, Saviontray Scott, and Saidrian Scott. 

She was loved by many but formed a special bond with some of her nieces and nephews; Kenneth Jones Jr., Jimmy Lee Thompson, Shayla Jones, Octavia Payne, Ladora Atcher, and Tameanee Kirkland. Also, her very good friend Audrey Sykes- Lipscomb and a host of family and friends. She will be truly missed.

A Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 Noon March 31, 2022 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St., Danville. Eulogist: David Moore. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery.

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