Sylvia Luvenia Smith

Sylvia Luvenia Tilghman Smith was born on August 15, 1933 to the late John Raymond Blake and Cecelia Tilghman Dennis, in Princess Anne, MD. God, in his infinite wisdom, called his faithful servant home at the age of eighty-six (86) on August 28, 2019, at her Princess Anne home. She was reared in Princess Anne, MD, educated in the Somerset County public school system and attended Maryland State College, now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. In January 1955, Sylvia married the late Charles Wesley Smith, Sr. and to this union five children were united. She grew up in a Christian home and joined Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church at an early age, where she was a life long member, at the time of her passing. She was an active member and served on many committees throughout her lifetime. She once served as President of the Missionary Society, Chairperson of the Overseas Mission Department, a Choir member, and a Communion Steward, until she became ill. She loved to sing her favorite song, “SEARCHING.” She loved people and was an inspiration to all who knew her from the youngest to the oldest. She was truly a remarkable woman. During her lifetime, she had the opportunity to work various jobs. To name a few, Salisbury Hospital (now PRMC), Princess Anne Shirt Factory, Babysitter for her grandchildren, and Somerset County Public school system (Greenwood Elementary School), retiring in 1999. Her life and memories are survived, cherished and loved by her five children: Warren Thomas of Accokeek, MD, Patricia (Alton) Maddox, Sylvia (Leon) Williams and Charles Smith, Jr., all of Princess Anne, MD and Kenneth (Ella) Smith of Pocomoke, MD; 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Janice Fields of Salisbury, MD; a step-sister, Ethel Gale of Durham, NC and a step-brother, David Harris of Beary, Wales. She is also survived by several sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, and a host of other relatives, friends and her church family, as well as caregivers Denise Tilghman, Cathelina Schoolfield, and Teau Jones. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Raymond Tilghman and Shirley Dennis.

Sylvia Luvenia Smith

August 15, 1933 - August 28, 2019