SERENA LEE SMYRNI

Serena made a bold entrance in the world on May 27, 1983, the second child of her mother's three children.   She was fiercely independent and extremely energetic, determined to take care of herself at an early age.  She loved diversity and adventure, wanting to learn and absorb as much as life had to offer.  She had a photographic memory, which made any job or task she set her mind to do easily achievable.  She was an excellent cook, an animal lover, student of the Bible, and so much more.  She opened her heart and mind to help those in need.  She was someone who truly lived in the souls of everyone with whom she crossed paths.

Serena married the love of her life, Stephen, on March 5, 2005.  On the day of their wedding a stunning , double rainbow smiled down on them from the heavens.  They were encouragers, protectors, and advocates for one another.  Of their union, two beautiful children were born.  Xander Bricio Smyrni arrived first on April 7, 2006, now a handsome young man of 13.  God has anointed him to be a defender of those who cannot defend themselves.  His current knight-in-shining armor duties are devoted primarily to his little sister.  Xander loved playing board games with Mom, particularly monopoly.  He learned so well from his mother's teaching, that the student became the master.  Falon Rayne Smyrni, made her grand entrance on January 14, 2013.  She is our joy bubble, lighting up a room with her laughter.  She shared a very unique bond with her mother.  Serena nicknamed her Min Min seeing her as a miniature version of herself.  There was never any doubt, her children were her heartbeat.

Serena grew up with her older sister Nichol and her younger brother Christian in Massachusetts.   Nichol, the oldest child, helped her mom care for her younger siblings.  All three children have maintained a close relationship with one another.  Although Christian is the youngest, he has always been very protective of his sisters.  Serena always looked up to her stepfather, Doug, who was a very positive influence on her life.  She spent a lot of time visiting her large extended family in Massachusetts, particularly with her maternal grandparents, Nani and Paps.  Not only did Serena have an endearing connection with the maternal side of her family, she was also fortunate enough to have many other siblings on her father's side.  She loved traveling, especially with her father to his native Puerto Rico.  Serena left the surly bonds of earth with the knowledge she was greatly loved by her family and friends.

She had two life-threatening conditions, pseudo-tumor cerebri and cancer.  She was loved and supported by her husband Stephen and his mother, Jenny while fighting valiantly to overcome illnesses.  Her loving Savior triumphantly called her home to Heaven, on January 6, 2020, leaving behind all sorrow, all pain.

Serena has now been greeted by those who awaited her arrival in Heaven:  her mother, Sherryl White, her grandparents, Edward and Sandra Martin, her father-in-law, Steve Smyni, and father-in-law, Oscar Killian, Jr.  She is eagerly awaiting the appointed time for the rest of her family to join her in Heaven:  Stephen, husband, son, Xander, daughter, Falon, sister, Nichol Hottle and husband, Frank, nephews Zachary, Triston, and Dylan, brother Christian Martinez, nephews Andrew and Christian, Jr., father, Luis Martinez, brothers Luis Martinez, Jr., Richard Martinez, Edwin Martinez, Daniel Martinez, William Martinez, sisters, Ivette Martinez, Gladys Martinez, Zenaida Martinez, and mother-in-law, Jenny Smyrni-Killian.

The family is truly grateful for the outpouring love and support from Northpoint and Shreveport Community Churches.  Donations may be made in Serena's memory to either church or Providence Classical Academy, Xander's school.

SERENA LEE SMYRNI'S JOURNEY HOME

God, from the lofty heights where You dwell in Heaven

above,

You carefully orchestrated the path Serena trod by Your

matchless love.

Father, Your tender and precious thoughts of her are of a

vast and great number.

Even as she lay down to rest, You thought of her

continually, and yet still when she arose from her slumber.

As Serena was being formed in secret, nothing was hidden

from You about who she was or would ever be.

But every day of her existence was recorded in Your book

before there was every anything of her to see.

There has never been the slightest thing about her

You did not fully understand,

For You are the One who shaped her and molded her

with Your loving hand.

Whether she rode the wings of the morning's dawn

or dwelt in the depths of the sea,

Your right arm firmly held her, as her footsteps You did

faithfully lead.

When she said, "Surely I will be covered by the darkness of

night,"

It was at that moment the light of Your Presence shone

round her so bright.

And when she walked out of this fleeting life through

eternity's door,

You took her by the hand, and together You crossed over

to Heaven's distant shore.

Her life in this failing and pain-filled world will be no more.

So God, we determine in our hearts to one day cross over

that bridge and join her in Heaven forevermore.

by

1. B. Smyrni-Killian

1994

inspired by Psalm 139

Personalized for Serena Lee Smyrni 2020