Addie D. Smith

Addie Dell Smith entered this life in Greensboro, Alabama to the union of the late Richard and Ethel Fields on August 1, 1930. She was the oldest of three children that blessed that union. She began her early education in the public schools of Hale County Alabama. Her loving aunt and uncle, the late Evangelist Richard and Clara Kennedy brought her to reside with them in Detroit, Michigan, to complete high school education and attend college. Addie was very industrious and worked in a designer dress shop, as well as, a chemist assistant formulating specialized hair products. Her final employment was at the United States Postal Service where she worked 30 Years until her retirement. She made many life-long friends, and there she met her husband, George Smith, the love of her life and her best friend.

To this union of 66 years, they were blessed with three children; Allison P. (Edward) Tinsley, Kathryn S. Ferguson, Jason V. C., and granddaughter, Lauren J. Smith.

During her life, Addie was always social and a natural born leader. She actively participated in many volunteer organizations, such as the American Cancer Association after surviving breast cancer, the University District Chapter Association where she lived, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, where she served tirelessly as the Detroit Chapter Secretary traveling throughout the United States representing the organization with dignity and excellence. She was especially active in the Christian endeavors of the church that she loved, Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, “where love made the difference in her life”. She served on the Ebenlite Usher Board, the SoReLit Club, Stewardess Board #2, Angel Tree Program and Served Food to the Homeless.

“Sugar” as she was affectionately known by her family, because of her sweet disposition and lovely smile, always had a kind word for everybody. She was known for her exceptional cooking skills, her mad Bridge card skills, and her love and appreciation for travel. Addie and George traveled to China, Egypt, Russia, Poland, the Caribbean, England, Alaska, just to name a few exciting places. What was most important to her was making a home for her family, and she always opened her home to others. She believed in the scripture that said, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” Heb. 13:2 ESV

Addie quietly transitioned from this life while residing at the Peace of Mind Caregiving home, into life eternal, in the early hours of September 6, 2020, and preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Margorie Paige, her aunt and uncle, Clara and Richard Kennedy. She is survived by her husband, George, her children, Allison, Kathryn and Jason, her brother, Richard (Sarah) Fields, her granddaughter, Lauren J. Smith, and her loving daughter-in-law, LaVette Williams Smith, her brother-in-law, Andrew Paige, nephews: Sidney Love, Jammard Paige, Corey Paige, and a host great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Special thank you to her caregiving angels: Ms. Tracy, Ms. Joyce, Ms. Colby, Ms. Kathy, and Ms. Kathy Campbell.