Lynnise Smith

Lynnise Smith, 50, of Roswell, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Hospital. Visitation will be on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Evangelistic Missionary Church of God In Christ, in Des Moines, Iowa, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Her homegoing funeral celebration will follow her visitation and begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Hill officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Lynnise Sharnell Smith, affectionately known as “Nikki”, was born February 5, 1974, to Wesley Haskins and Linda Darnell Smith in Des Moines, Iowa. She grew up in North Minneapolis and attended North Minneapolis High School. Upon moving back to Iowa, Lynnise obtained her associate degree at Des Moines Area Community College. 

Lynnise loved the Lord and didn’t take her spirituality lightly. She accepted Christ at an early age, Later baptized at Elim Fellowship. While praying, she said, “God spoke to her heart.” This inspired her to take a faith walk and move her family to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2016, Later they joined Eagles Nest Church. Her beautiful smile was put to great use, as she volunteered her time with the Greeters Ministry Team. She recommitted to Christ in 2023, She cultivated wonderful relationships with her ministry members and Eagles Nest Church family.

 Lynnise had an infectious personality and a smile that lit up any room. She was admired for her beauty, being a fashionista and a trendsetter when it came to all things glam fashion. Those who knew Nikki understood that although those extrinsic qualities were nice, it was her huge heart that allowed her to form deep connections with so many people.

 Lynnise gave back to her community in her own special way. She knew how to show you a good time. Whether it was traveling, shopping, or hosting various events, she created memories with family and friends to last a lifetime.

 Nikki’s eye for fashion landed her an opportunity to further her education in Atlanta at Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD), And completed the program in 2020. Her “can’t stop, won’t stop” spirit continued through her entrepreneurial pursuits as the CEO and President of Pink Bottom Cancer Under My Feet, Inc. and Owner of Black Outloud, LLC. 

 Lynnise was a loving mother to her children, who were the center of her world. She undeniably enjoyed motherhood and it was her first and foremost priority, Lynnise kept a cheerful disposition, a positive outlook, and would always do anything to make her children happy. It was important to her that they never directly felt the impact and heaviness of her diagnosis. 

Lynnise did not succumb to her illness, she transcended from it. She made her peaceful transition from Earth to eternity on June 22, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Smith; nephew, Isaiah Fernandez-Smith; aunt, Desiree “Kim” Carter; uncle, William “Billy” Smith; aunt, Elenore “Sandy” Smith; grandfather, Clarence Smith and grandmother, Mary Margaret Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Chikosi Walker Jr., her daughters; Kennetria Rushing, Riceeha Evans, Ja’Nya Duncan; siblings, Quincy Smith, Lacelle Gibson, Karla Haskins, Wesley Haskins., Bilal Haskins, Malik Haskins, Vanricia Perez, Tamir Haskins; father, Wesley Haskins; aunt, Deborah Smith-Clark; uncle. Larry “Sha’la’var” Ward, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.