Twangie Michelle (Holman) Smith, affectionately known as "Blondie" and "Punkin," was born on January 14, 1973, in Chicago, Illinois, to Cloceal Holman and Elijah Coleman (and was lovingly raised by Parker Frazier). She was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in a family of six siblings, spending part of her childhood living in the Stateway Gardens and James Adams projects of the Chicago Housing Authority, where she experienced life under impoverished conditions. Twangie attended Douglass Elementary School and graduated from Dunbar Vocational High School in 1991. She became the first female in her family to attend college, enrolling at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where she studied journalism.

With an adventurous spirit, Twangie later traveled to France, living overseas to explore the world and seek new opportunities. However, at the young age of 20, she received a life-altering medical diagnosis of kidney and pancreatic islet failure. This diagnosis led her to return to the United States to be with her family and begin dialysis, marking the beginning of a difficult and courageous medical journey. She underwent several hours of renal surgery and was placed on the transplant list for both kidney and pancreatic islet donation. While many might have given up under such circumstances, Twangie' s strength and determination never wavered. Despite her diagnosis, she remained steadfast in her desire to live fully and build a meaningful legacy. Her unwavering courage and faith empowered her to give birth to two beautiful children, Hasani Jade Branch and Shani Robinson.

She continued her life's journey by trailblazing her way through entrepreneurship/business ventures from opening candy houses, selling food and beverages at Chicago events, baking sales, and marketing events with the recruitment of her family for support. All while earning multiple licensure and certification in the state of Illinois in many trades such as: Cosmetology, Real Estate, Bank Teller, and PERC card holder as Armed Security Guard at Northwestern Hospital in downtown Chicago, where she met the love of her life Quantis Smith!

A real-life love story and a true example of what the foundations of love and marriage should be rooted in God's will and anointing. Twangie and Quantis first connected and began dating but later went their separate ways for a time. During this period, Twangie relocated with her two children to Carbondale, Illinois, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 2009. Despite the distance, Twangie remained determined to reconnect with Quantis, knowing in her heart that he was her soulmate. When she set her mind to something, she made it happen. In 2010, the two reconnected on Facebook, and on June 12, 2013, they were married, forming a beautiful family with Hasani and Shani. Together, they purchased a home and began building a new legacy of love, business, and partnership, leaving a lasting imprint through their shared journey.

As a true humanitarian, she spent the later years of her life giving back to her community in DeKalb, IL. She established and executed multiple non-for-profit events/organizations: such as Hats for Humanity (giving hats and gloves to those in need) and Jellybean Project (giving afterschool snacks to kids), programs that gave back to her community in DeKalb County. Also, working part-time at the Jefferson Elementary School as a Substitute Teacher and Teachers Assistant to special needs children and running for school board office membership all while fighting through dialysis treatment. Twangie was deeply loved by her large network of family and friends throughout her life. She lived with joy, sharing love, laughter, wisdom, and a passion for cooking (Queens Humble Kitchen, where she established an online following). Known for her quick wit and sense of humor, she loved to crack jokes, praise God, care for her family, and help anyone in need.

Twangie Michelle (Holman) Smith made her transition to heaven on August 30th, 2025, after succumbing to a long battle with a sudden brain hemorrhage. She leaves behind to cherish her memory and legacy: Husband – Quantis Smith; (2) Children; Son- Hasani Jade Branch, Daughter – Shani Robinson, (5) Siblings; Sisters – Tieta Holman, Jessalynn Holman, and Cloceal Holman; Brothers – Ladonn Holman and Alexander (Cierra) Holman, (5) Nieces – Allis Holman, Whitney (Terrance) Holman, Laura Holman, Jaylin Williams; (2) Nephews – Carl Holman, Wesley Holman, Nathan Holman; (2) Aunts – Robin Webb and Glenda Clipper (8) 1st Cousins – Chauncey Holman Jr., Jamiah Holman, Chauncey Holman III, Erica Webb, Samara Waddy, Murray Williams, Tiffany Harris, Renee Harris, Lauthora Jennings -Diop, Brandice Carson-Ruiz, and Beloved Nieces, Nephews and Family Members – Anthony Williams, Akyra Williams, Mya Holman, Jazmine Holman, R'monie Holman, Janiah Holman, Addyson Holman, Taliyah Holman, Jayden Holman, Jordan Little, Justin Little, Journey McElvene, (3) Half siblings; Victoria Richardson, LeNita Richardson, Serena Jackson, and Terry Richardson and host of other God babies and grand nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends that loved her dearly.

Twangie Michelle (Holman) Smith was preceded in death by her elders and Matriarchs: Grandmother Laura Mae Holman and Aunt Ruby Williams. Also, her Uncle Chauncey Holman Sr, Cousins Noble Williams and Caroyln White.

Twangie was an ambitious, independent, courageous, outspoken, and trailblazing woman—one of the most remarkable the world has ever known. She worked tirelessly throughout her life to provide a comfortable, loving home for herself and her family. Twangie deeply loved her family, and her heart was always open to loving and helping others. She had a fun-loving spirit and brought joy to everyone around her, creating countless moments of laughter and cherished memories of family and friends. She was, without a doubt, the life of the party. Twangie touched countless lives, and her legacy will forever live on in our hearts and minds. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. We thank God for the incredible woman of faith she was, and we are endlessly inspired by her life's journey.

We love you, Queen. Rest well in the eternal kingdom of Christ—you are now our guardian angel forever.

Her visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 19th from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at the Federated Church of Sycamore, 612 W. State St., Sycamore, IL.  The service will begin at 1:00 PM at the Church.

To sign the online guest book or write a special memory- go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com