Camellia Yolanda Boykins Smith, a beloved member of the Lakeland, Florida community, passed away on November 1, 2023, at the age of 71.

She was born on February 25, 1952, in Lakeland, Florida, to her parents Violet Arlena Brown Munroe and Roland Boykins. Camellia's life was one dedicated to service and love. She served her country in the United States Air Force and continued her mission of caring for others as a healthcare worker at Lakeland Regional Health. As a cosmetologist, she committed her skills to helping others look and feel beautiful. She also had a passion for empowering young girls and made a significant impact through her work at Girls Inc. of Lakeland. As a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Camellia's family was her greatest joy. She is survived by her four children: Nikki Johnson, Joy Smith-McCormick (Kelvin), Christopher Braylon Smith (Ivey), and Alissia Smith. Her legacy also lives on through her 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Camellia had been a member of the First Baptist Institutional Church, where she came to know Christ as a child, and she served as an usher. Proudly graduating from the Rochelle High School Class of 1969, Camellia cherished the memories and friendships forged during her school years. Her dedication to her beloved classmates extended beyond school, and she maintained lifelong friendships.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Camellia is survived by her five brothers: Jeffrey Haynes, Cornelius Speed, Keith Speed, Carl Speed, David Munroe Jr., and stepmother Brenda Boykins. She is preceded in death by her father, Roland Boykins, and mother, Violet Arlena Brown Munroe. She also joins her bonus dad, David Munroe Sr., great-grandmother Leila Mae Brown, and sister Rogenia Pete Bryant in eternal rest. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and members of her beloved Class of 1969, Rochelle High School.

Camellia's gift of caretaking, her passion for caring for the elderly, and her dedication to nurturing youth led to numerous special relationships she treasured. Her compassion, kindness, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In honoring Camellia Yolanda Boykins Smith's memory, we celebrate a life of selflessness, love, and service. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the immeasurable impact she had on her family and the community. To all who rallied around her in the final years as she fought her healthcare battles, may God continue to bless the work that you do and lives you touch.

Ms. Smith of Lakeland transitioned Wednesday, November 1, 2023. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2023. All services will be held at First Institutional Baptist Church - 932 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave, Lakeland, Florida 33805. Interment will be held at Medulla Cemetery 245 Fitzgerald Road, Lakeland, 33810 with full Military Honors.

Interment: Medulla Cemetery