Dear Family and Friends,

First, I want to thank God for granting me life and planting me in this family on July 10, 1959.  I joined my parents, the late Henry Franklin, and Elsie Eleanor Diggs Fleming along with my siblings in Washington, DC.  I am grateful that my God allowed me to live 22,969 days on this earth. I think that's a pretty long time.

I completed my education at the Western High/Duke Ellington School of the Arts. I accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal savior early in life, and I know I am His child. I was baptized at the Zion Hill Baptist Church by the late Rev. Lester James, Sr.

I worked several jobs and learned so many skills, dry cleaning, knitting, maintenance, mechanics, nursing, and many more which carried me through my lifetime.

I married the love of my life – Dexter Smith, Sr. We raised four children.  Three sons Teon, Tarrod and Dexter, and one daughter Denia.  We were the happy half dozen. I was blessed to stay home during my children's formative years. I came from a family that knew how to love, to have fun, and to stick it out together even when times got rough.  To say the least, I was toughed skinned.  We were happy whether we were in need or in plenty.  There was a time when 13 of us lived under one roof.  WE MADE IT WORK!  I wish I had time to tell you about all the fun stories; card parties, cookouts, family gatherings, holidays, baptisms, weddings, reunions, births and even deaths; and how they were cherished moments of my lifetime.

I left this earth knowing without a shadow of a doubt that I had the best family in the world.  Our family always loved God and each other.  Our family always loved God and each other.  After some time, the half dozen moved our membership to the Holy Cross PBS Church under the leadership of our beloved aunt, the late Bishop Stella V. Mack.  We had so much joy serving God.  Can you believe we thought we could sing, especially me and Boo/Mike.  We were very active members and reared our children in the church.

Along my life's journey, there was nothing I found more pleasure in doing than taking care of my husband, children and first set of grandchildren TJ and Amaya.

I found joy in doing hair, sewing, knitting, designing clothes, dancing, oh yes, even African dancing, playing cards, keno and bingo; cooking, being a mother and housewife and even helping my husband work on cars. I know a little bit about a lot of things.  There was nothing, I mean nothing that compared to the love I had for my family and spending time with my family and friends.  I loved them and they loved me back.

Like every family, we had our mountain high and valley low experiences.  I learned one of the most deliberate tactics of the devil was to attack the family unit and boy did he come after us?  The "half dozen" got attacked hard and we found ourselves physically separated for a while.  There was no question that we remained together in our hearts and there was nothing that could keep us apart.  I knew it was a time for me to Pray, Trust and Believe in my God.  I had to stand and when I fell, God picked me back up again.  God was so good and gracious toward me.

In His perfect time, He gave me the desire of my heart which was to be reunited with my family. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

God is awesome! He has been faithful to me.  In November, I almost transitioned when I stopped breathing on the table, but God spared my life another 6 more months.  The effectual fervent prayers of the righteous avails much!

God once again restored me and allowed me to return to my family and carry out my duties as a devoted wife and peacock proud mother and grandmother to my four children and my next set of grandchildren, Alexa, Tania, and Tariah. While I didn't spend as much time with them as with my others, I loved them all the same.

I really could go on and on, but I think you got a snapshot if not a picture of my 62 years of life. I did things my way, I was transparent, and I didn't have any cut cards.  Before I exit, I am going to say a few things to a few people.

To my husband Dexter Aka Mike - Boo

Our good days outweigh our not so good days, and I can't complain. I will always love you.

Teon my first born

I was so happy that my first born was a man child and that it was you. Down through the years, I've seen you grow up to be a real man.  I'm so proud of you, your family, and the accomplishments you made.  Let me say thank you for your unwavering love for me?

Tarrod my second

You are second to none and words cannot express the bond of love we shared. You my son, showed me over and over and over again how much you loved and cared for me.  In your words, in your thoughts and in your actions, it was transparent that I was the first woman you loved.  When my health was challenged; I looked up and you were there, I woke up and you were there, I sat up and you were there.  Let me say thank you for you never ending love me.

Dexter my third

You are third to none.  You always said that I didn't want the others to know that you were my favorite child.  You said it and I never said a mumbling word. LOL. You spoiled me with all the shopping sprees, the sweet treats, the time we spent together and talks we had. You thought I didn't know how you took off your job to stay with me at the hospital, but I knew.  You would call and ask what I wanted you to bring me.  Do you remember those GIGANTIC crab legs you brought me? Let me say thank you for your everlasting love for me.

Denia my 4th and my baby

You were mama's "Pooh bear".  Loving you made my life wonderful and you loving me made my life worth living, I love you so much! You were like a refreshing drink after having my three sons.  I finally had another female in the house who was on my side LOL.  We all were protective of you.  I went through your growing pains with you, and we got through them.  It has been said that I spoiled you, but the fact of the matter is that I spoiled all four of you spoiled me.

And then along came my grandchildren.  What a Legacy I have left.  I know you children of mine will love on them and spoil them as I have done all of you.

Please know that each and every one of my family members held a special place in my heart as did my friends.  You know what you meant to me, and I know what I meant to you.

I don't need to say anymore, all I didn't say my sister/mother Theresa Elaine or niece Deannie will tell you anything I missed telling you today. Please do one last thing to make me happy, and that is to please look after my sister,my niece and stick to together with one another as a loving close knitted family.

I bid farewell to my husband and children listed above and their spouses Quiana and Laticia.  My endearing grandchildren, Tarrod (TJ), Amaya, Tavon (deceased), Alexa, Tania and Tariah; my beloved sister – Mother Theresa Elaine my buddy brother-in-law Jeremiah (Trick/Mr.) and their tribe, Sister Stephanie/Jerry and their tribe, my loving niece Kabrena (Deannie)/Jub and their tribe, beautiful nieces Tonnette and her tribe, Dawn/Lee and their tribe; Special nephew Mannie/Brittany, and their tribe, niece and nephews Kim, Duke Pig Anthony and their tribes, shared grandmother Charlotte (Lucy) dear cousin/friend Rosalind (Salt), Rhoda, and my unforgettable cousin/Aunt, Marie Smith and her tribe; all the rest of my extended family and friends.

1st Peter 4:8 "And above all things have fervent love for one another; for Love will cover a multitude of sin.

Viewing, 10:00 AM, until time of service, 11:00 AM, Friday, June 10, 2022 at Zion Church, 8829 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770, Interment, Resurrection Cemetery , 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735