Margaret L'Mell Smith

Age 64, of Lansing, MI, died suddenly on April 16, 2014.  She was born in New Orleans, LA on August 9, 1949.

She earned a BA Degree from Louisiana State University where she was a member of the Sigma Chapter of the Delta Zeta Sorority. She later earned her Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  L’Mell’s legal acumen was recognized throughout her tenure in state government as demonstrated by her appointments to adjudicative positions by three Michigan Governors.  In 1988, L’Mell was appointed by Governor James Blanchard to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board with the Michigan Department of Labor.  She was appointed by Governor John Engler to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates in 1991 and was reappointed to the Board twice—serving through 2006.  In 2011, she was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to the new Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission (MCAC), a position she ably filled until her passing.  As a Commissioner and a Magistrate, L’Mell used her extensive knowledge of administrative and workers’ compensation law to serve the state and its citizens.  She was a former Board Member of the University Club, and a member of the U Club Ladies Golfing Gals who will dearly miss her.

Surviving are her husband of 40 years, Kimbal Robert Smith, III; a son, Kimbal R. Smith, IV; 3 grandchildren; sister, Victoria Spurlock; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd from 3-6 p.m. at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.  Memorial contributions may be made to the LSU Sigma Chapter of the Delta Zeta Sorority. The chapter address is LSU Sigma Chapter, Delta Zeta Sorority House, 4060 W. Lakeshore Dr., Baton Rouge, LA  70808.

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8 Messages to “Margaret L'Mell Smith

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Kalmin Smith
April 18, 2014 at 1:02 pm

Kim – I am so sorry for your loss. I have many good memories of you and L’Mell from the days we worked together in state government.

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Nancy Day
April 18, 2014 at 6:22 pm

Kim, so sorry to hear about L’Mell. I remember well all the fun trips we women lawyers took together – many of which she organized so well. She was a true southern Belle and one of a kind. She is in my prayers as are you.

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Patrick L. Fuller
April 18, 2014 at 10:33 pm

Kim,

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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Pam Harden
April 19, 2014 at 1:50 pm

Kim, so very sorry to hear about L’Mell. She will truly be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

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dave and diane campbell
April 19, 2014 at 2:48 pm

Kim,

Diane and I were absolutely stunned with the news and are truly heartbroken for you…We will never forget the kindness you and L’Mell showed my Mother when my Mom was living alone in Lansing for those many years…So sorry we can’t be there for the service… We will make a contribution to Delta Zeta Alumni Foundation, Sigma Chapter at LSU in L’Mell’s memory…..We’re planning a trip to the Midwest in late October and will see you then. God Bless…Cousin Dave

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Katherine Lamb
April 20, 2014 at 8:00 am

I am very sorry to hear of L’Mell’s passing. I enjoyed appearing in her courtroom when she was a magistrate. She was a strong no nonsense magistrate and very fair to both sides. She was a good role model for all attorneys. Very sad to hear this. My thoughts are with her family and friends.

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Anonymous
April 22, 2014 at 9:09 am

Kim, my thoughts go out to you. While I only met L’Mell a few times, I know, from the frequency with which you spoke of her, how devastating this must be. It sounds so trite to say, “If there’s anything I can do… My sincere condolences…”

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Nancy McKeague
April 22, 2014 at 1:12 pm

Kim, you are in our thoughts and prayers. David and I are so sorry for your loss.

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