Rosalyn A. Smith

The life of Rosalyn Ann Smith began April 2, 1957. She was the youngest child of Russell Samuel and Clara Bell Smith. She was born and raised in Baltimore. Both parents preceded her in death. She also had a step-mother, Louise Jackson Smith, with whom she lived until she too passed away.Ann, as she was known to family and friends, was a fun-loving person. She enjoyed the Flea Markets and was a true “Movie Buff”. She loved to exhibit a gruff exterior, but underneath it was a kind heart. Those of us who knew her well were probably recipients of it somewhere along the road.Ann attended Baltimore City Schools, including Eastern High School. She worked at a variety of jobs before settling into the law firm of Friedman and McFadyen, where she remained until her illness forced her to retire in 2003.On January 31, 2003, Ann’s battle for life began in earnest. She with stood a litany of treatments and frequent hospitalizations and always with a positive attitude. She determined that her life, no matter what the present distractions were, would go on. However, the illness took it s toll. She began to tire. When she had to spend her time in bed and be cared for, she wasn’t happy about it. When her family and caregivers would have to leave, she would always say, “I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be right here.” It became her catch phrase.On Friday, March 18, 2005, she was admitted to Joseph Richey Hospice for 24-hour care. She put forth a valiant effort but her strength ebbed, and after visiting with her children and close family on Sunday, March 27, 2005, she struggled one last time. Finally, on Monday morning at 6:30am, she fell asleep in death.She is survived by her only daughter, Afton Paquita Smith; her only son, Evan Russell Smith-Finney; one granddaughter, Leah Nevaeh Cox; her only sister, C. Juanita Owens; her only brother-in-law, Glynn W. Owens; four sister cousins, Beatrice Davis, Evelyn Edwards, Elizabeth Simms and Rose Sparks; four aunts, Clemmie Wyatt, Harriet Fletcher, Lillian Smith and Virginia Tatum; one uncle, William Fletcher; one nephew, Dorian Owens; one niece, Amber Blackwell; and Desiree Gomez, with whom she shared a close and enduring friendship for 24 years. They were best friends forever. Also, other cousins and relatives who are loved but too numerous to mention by name.

Tributes

Rosalyn A. Smith

April 2, 1957 - March 27, 2005