Estella Abbott-Smith

Estella 'Toni' Abbott-Smith, aged 74, passed away peacefully Monday, May 13, 2024, in her son's family home in Joliet, Illinois. Estella, affectionately known as Toni, was born December 9, 1949 in Medon, Tennessee to Fania (Agnes) and Elmer Abbott. 

Toni, while still a child, moved with her family to Joliet, Illinois. She attended Joliet Public Schools and subsequently, received her nursing degree from St. Joseph School of Nursing and her Bachelors Degree from Olivet Nazarene University.

Toni lived a wonderful, accomplished and full life. She worked as a nurse for over thirty years at both St. Joseph and Silver Cross Hospitals. She gave birth to three sons: Jonathan, Josiah, and Judaea (Kim). She married Nathaniel Smith on September 8, 1984. During their time together, they welcomed both grandchildren and great grandchildren into their lives. She was a member of St. James United Body of Christ Church of Joliet. 

Toni truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, crocheting, doing arts and crafts, online shopping, learning about nature and watching Animal Planet. She also enjoyed taking care of her cockatiels and fish. 

Toni's greatest love was her family. She loved her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Her face would light up when she was in their presence. In addition, at those times, she would display her wry sense of humor that could keep you laughing. She is greatly missed!

Toni is preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings, Luvenia Riley, Ruth Cruickshank, Slyvia O’Valerie Abbott and Rueben Abbott.

Toni is survived by her husband, Nathaniel Smith; three sons, Jonathan Abbott, Josiah Abbott and Judaea (Kim) Johnson; a stepdaughter, Angela Smith; her grandchildren, Samantha, Malcolm, Marcus, and Alexis Johnson, Maureen, Miles, Jeremiah (Ashley), Kiara and Zechariah Abbott, and Nickey Roundtree; ten great grandchildren; her siblings; Christiana Wines, Deborah Salinas, Raymond Abbott, Broderick (Cindy) Abbott, Gilbert Cruickshank, and Laine (Alisa) Cruickshank; numerous nieces and nephews;  and a host of other relatives.

Toni's family gives a special thanks to Lightways Hospice of Joliet.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Estella Abbott-Smith, please visit our floral store.