Lorraine "Lori" Ellen (Kimball) Smith

Lorraine Ellen “Lori” Smith, 58, departed for her next adventure in heaven while surrounded by her loving husband and family. Born on March 20, 1968, the daughter of Dyrel and Donna (Wilson) Kimball, she brought warmth, kindness, and a generous spirit into the world—gifts she continued to share throughout her life.

   Lori grew up in Horseheads, New York, where she was an active and joyful presence in the community. She sang in the choirs and participated in the youth programs of both the First Presbyterian Church and the Methodist Church in Horseheads, forming friendships and memories that stayed with her for decades. She graduated with the Horseheads High School Class of 1986 and was a proud member of the schools’ marching band, recognized as an enthusiastic leader of the color guard, who proudly went on to win the New York State Novice Class in 1983. She maintained close, cherished relationships with many of her classmates throughout her life.

   Her faith and compassion guided her path, leading her to serve in youth ministry at the Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Lori had a gift for making young people feel seen, supported, and valued, and she poured her heart into helping them grow in confidence and faith.

   Lori’s life was defined by her deep love for family, her loyalty to lifelong friends, and her ability to create connections wherever she went. She had a warm laugh, a gentle presence, and a way of making others feel at home in her company. Her kindness was steady and sincere, and she gave it freely, especially in her role as a foster parent.

   She is survived by her husband and best friend of 34 years, Tim, and their daughter, Brittani; sisters Vicki Davis and Kathy Kimball; brothers Blaine, Mark, and Michael Kimball; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.

   Lori’s life will be celebrated with family and friends on Sunday, April 12th, 2026 at 2:30 pm in the Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, 1050 S York Street, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.  A Viewing will be held from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm, one hour prior to the Service, with a Reception for Family and Friends immediately following the Service at the church.

   Flowers are welcome or, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to help establish The Lori Kimball-Smith Memorial Award which will recognize select  individuals exemplifying leadership and dedication within the Horseheads High School Marching Band Color Guard.  Checks can be made out to the Community Foundation OR to the Lori Kimball-Smith Memorial Award. Please include “Lori Kimball-Smith Memorial Award” in the Notes section.  Checks can be mailed to: Community Foundation, 301 S Main Street, Horseheads, NY 14845 Or you can donate online by visiting www.communityfund.org/give and selecting the “Lori Kimball-Smith Memorial Fund” in the drop down menu.

   Those who knew Lori will remember her for her gentle strength, her unwavering compassion, her generous hospitality, and the love she gave so unconditionally. Her absence leaves a profound ache, but her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.  

The family has arranged for discounted accommodation at

a Holiday Inn Express near the church.

Please click the following link to make your reservations,

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/find-hotels/select-roomrate?qDest=5011%20Louise%20Drive,%20Mechanicsburg,%20PA, 20US&qPt=CASH&qCiD=11&qCoD=12&qCiMy=032026&qCoMy=032026&qAdlt=1&qChld=0&qRms=1&qIta=99801505&qRtP=6CBARC&qGrpCd=HMI&qSlH=HARBG&srb_u=1&qFS=false&qS

(Instructions; Upon cutting and pasting the hotel link in your search engine, you’ll be taken to the Holiday Inn Express reservation page. Choose the dates you prefer for the stay then click Search. Scroll down the page to see the special pricing for each night.  Click Select and you’ll be taken to the screen where you can fill in your name, etc. )