Lenita Epinger Smiley

"Please remember me as a servant of the Lord!"

Born in Chicago, Illinois on July 13, 1956, Lenita Epinger Smiley ("Neet") was one of six children born to Margaret and Herman Epinger Sr. Her parents, oldest brother Herman Epinger Jr., and younger sister, Beverly Epinger, preceded her in death.

After graduating from Chicagos Paul Laurence Dunbar Vocational High School, Lenita pursued higher education at Illinois State University, where she received both a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and a Masters of Arts in Counseling.

Lenita considered her initiation into the Theta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated to be one of her proudest achievements while a student at Illinois State University. She was committed to a lifelong journey of sisterhood, scholarship, and service in the sorority.

After college Lenita chose New Covenant Church in Urbana to continue her spiritual growth and served there for more than 30 years.

Lenita worked in Higher Education for over 40 years. She began her career in Housing Administration at Illinois State University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Later she made a career change at Parkland Community College where she was on the Counseling Faculty and was also a Training Consultant. Lenita was an active member of numerous professional organizations and was certified in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. As a champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lenita provided educational opportunities for many Managers, Leaders, and Department Heads.

While working on the Leadership Transition Team at Stone Creek Rantoul, Lenita met the love of her life, Thomas Smiley. They established a deep God centered friendship, which led to their marriage on March 31, 2018. Lenita often bragged about Toms superpower humor! From the very beginning of their friendship and throughout their marriage Tom and Lenitas loving, loyal, and caring demeanor shined a light for everyone who encountered them. Together, they complimented one another and enjoyed love and laughter.

Tom and Lenita enjoyed travel and spending winters at their Florida home. They have been blessed with the kindness, love, and the friendship of many.

Lenita Epinger was an exemplary example of Servant Leadership. It was imperative for her to serve the Lord, love her family and help others. She was an outstanding Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Colleague and Soror. Lenitas life and legacy will continue on through her family.

She is survived by her loving husband Tom Smiley; three stepchildren Amy (Dan) Luchinski, Mark (Jessica) Smiley, Sara Farrero; five amazing step grandchildren Hannah, Leah, Tyler, Nathan, and JT; siblings; Natasha Epinger, Karl Maurice Epinger and Phil (Diane) Epinger; nieces and nephews; Karletta (Evan), Tamay, Karl Jr., Cortez, Arnitria, Latasha, Tiffany, Ebonie (Patrick), Destiny, Chelsea, Sondra, Cartrell, Kaylie, and Karlisha.

Visitation will be held from 10AM to 12PM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Champaign, Illinois 710 N Neil St. Champaign, Illinois 61820. A memorial service honoring Lenitas life will begin immediately following visitation at 12PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her name to the Parkland College Student Scholarship Fund at https://webapp.parkland.edu/foundation/donate.html

Please join Lenitas family in sharing memories and photos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Visitation Friday April 14, 2023 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820 Funeral Service Friday April 14, 2023 12:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820