Lilas Ann Whitaker Smith

It is finished, the battle is over … and it's all because of God's Amazing Grace.

Lilas Ann Whitaker Smith, age 68, peacefully entered into eternity on Friday, November 27, 2015 in West Covina, CA.  She succumbed to congestive heart failure which resulted from many complications of a long and painful illness. She is now enjoying her eternal rest and freedom with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"And then one day, I'll cross that river. I'll fight life's final war with pain. But then as death, gives way to victory, I'll see the light of glory and I'll know He reigns!" …  "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow! Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, I know, He holds the future! And life is worth the living, just because He lives!" (Song by Bill and Gloria Gaither)

Lilas was born on August 9, 1947 in Altadena, CA, to Carl and Ruth Whitaker. In her young adult years, she attended Pasadena Nazarene College, where she met and later married Dan Smith. Leaving college, they lived in Anchorage, Alaska, where their two children, Isaac and Zabrina were born.

Some years later, they divorced and she moved to Fort Worth, TX. Eventually, she relocated back to Temple City, CA just before her own mother, Ruth Whitaker passed away.

In all of her moves, Alaska had a special place in her heart. Every year, for 20 years, she would pack up her computer and fly up to Anchorage to diligently work on the pastoral district journal for the Church of the Nazarene District Assembly.

Lilas was a persistent and successful business woman and entrepreneur. "Defeat" was never an option in her mind, no matter how many setbacks she encountered.

She would just get back up and pursue a new approach until the fulfillment of her dream was realized.

In 1999, she founded and ran "A Better Way Cremation and Burial" funeral services until February of 2015. Over time, Lilas became an icon in Burbank, CA for her unique funeral business.

She started a new concept in the funeral industry by running a store front idea that served as a specialized and classy gift shop for both her clients and for the average consumer.

This store front idea eventually caught on in other cities outside of California. She also previously owned the "Alpha Society" in Burbank, CA, and "Unique Transportation", a First Call Service.

Christmas time was, by far, her favorite season. And Lilas was known by her professional colleagues and friends as "The Christmas Lady."

For a number of years, she decorated her home with exquisite Christmas decorations, foods and music, and would hold a special open house to all who would come.

She loved the beautiful season of Christmas because of the joy and hope it brought to her heart about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and desired to share that joy with everyone.

She is survived by her extended family including, her brother and sister in law, Dan and Grace Whitaker, her step mother, Angela Whitaker, her daughter, the Rev. Zabrina Smith, her professional artist son and daughter in law, Isaac and Mina Smith, and two grandchildren, Hyouju and Ayano Smith.

She will be missed by many of her friends, colleagues and family.

Memorial Service for Lilas Smith will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 12:30pm.  Flowers or special donation, in lieu of flowers (in Lilas's honor) would be warmly accepted to help defer family costs and expenses. Please mail ASAP, or hand-deliver your love gift to:

Argos Funeral Services

22750 Hawthorne Blvd Suite 230

Torrance, CA 90505