.

Alexis Smith-Russell, the eldest daughter of the late James and Vivian Smith, was born on July 30, 1957 in Norfolk, Virginia. On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Alexis ascended to her place of eternal rest.

In 1969, Alexis accepted Christ and was baptized at Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk,

Virginia where she remained a member. During her time at Second Calvary, Alexis served with the Cancer Ministry, Tutoring Ministry, and was a Sunday School Teacher. Alexis was reared in Liberty Park and educated in the Norfolk Public School system. In 1975, she graduated from Norview High School. After graduation, she received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education in 1980 from Norfolk State University. In addition, she obtained a Master of Science in Severe/Profound Handicapped from Norfolk State University in 1985. During this time, she spent her free time as a candy striper at local hospitals and started a boys' break-dancing group. Alexis spent 30 years as a special education teacher. In 2009, she was awarded Hickory Middle School's Teacher of the Year where she taught for 18 years. In 2019, Alexis retired from the Chesapeake Public School System where she touched the lives of countless students, faculty, and parents.

In addition to her outstanding professional contributions, 'Aunt Lexis', as she was affectionately called, devoted much of her time and energy as caregiver to many of her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Her zest for life was reflected through her sense of humor. She was full of laughter and had a way of saying things that would make others laugh along with her. Though jovial, she was full of wisdom. Her words always proved to be helpful to those who took the time to listen and follow her instructions.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Vivian and one brother Dwight. Alexis leaves to cherish her memories her beloved son Keenan Smith-Hankins of Norfolk, VA; grandson Isaiah of Jacksonville, FL; brothers Eric of Norfolk, VA, Nathaniel Sayles of Norfolk, VA, Daryl (Cheryl) of Washington, DC, Michael (Bernadine) of Hanover, MD; sisters Yvette of Norfolk, VA, Myra of Norfolk, VA, Muriel of San Diego, CA; Uncle Edward C. Hall of Norfolk, VA; Aunts Almetta Ivey of Charlotte, NC, Ann Mae McPherson of Charlotte, NC; best friend and sister-in-life Linda Johnson of Norfolk, VA; special cousins Freda Smith of Norfolk, VA, Regina Nichols of Norfolk, VA; devoted neighbor's Vernell Reed and Davanee Thomas; hosts of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and friends. Alexis was loved by all who knew her. Alexis will be missed by all who loved her.