Freda Mae Smith

Freda Mae Smith, 87, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 24, 2021. Freda was born on December 28, 1933, daughter of the late Fred and Estelle Gardner of Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Northern High School in 1951.

She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science, excelling in biology and chemistry, from Wilberforce University where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and went on to have a 35-year career as a medical technologist in Detroit.

Freda was a trailblazer in her family, modeling strength, dignity, and pride in all endeavors she pursued; she demonstrated her love and affection through constant actions. Freda had an unwavering morale compass that enabled her to live an ethical and principled life.

Freda married Warren Harding Smith in 1956 and celebrated 48 glorious years together. Out of this union two children were born, Warren Haimi Smith and Regina Estelle Smith Collins. After retirement at the age of 62, Freda spent time traveling, and was an active member of the Margaret Hunt Senior Center and Gesu Catholic Church 50+ Club. Freda was a dedicated mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend that will be truly missed.

Freda was proceeded in death by her husband and parents; brothers Fred, Robert, Kenneth, and Donald Gardner; sisters Barbara Jean Griggs, Mary Bell Gardner, and Brenda Gardner; stepmother Viola Gardner; sister-in-law Evelyn Gardner and grandson Edwin Smith.

She is survived by her brother Jeffrey Gardner (Marylou); sister-in-law Nettie Marie Gardner; son Warren Haimi (Kymberly), daughter Regina (Francis); 7 grandchildren Shaherazade Gaines (Darrell), Genessa Beasley (Scott), Monique Chambers (Jeffery), Warren Smith, and Kevin, John and Charles (Maria) Collins bonus granddaughter, Alayna Johnson; 6 great-grandchildren Zayden and Daylen Gaines, Jordan Milana, Jackson and Madison Beasley and Maya Collins, a dearest family friend Robert “Bobby” Dunlap (Paulette) and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Merit House Senior Community and Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice for their loving care and kindness. Visitation will be held at James H. Cole Funeral Home at 16100 Schaefer Highway, Detroit, Michigan 48235 on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 10:30 am with service beginning at 11 am.