Inez Jeannette Smith of La Plata, MD transitioned May 12, 2024.

A TIME TO BE BORN…Inez Jeannette Gadson was born on October 7, 1935, in Colleton County, South Carolina to the late Harry Gadson, Sr. and the late Helen Gadson. She was the eldest of four children.

A TIME FOR ETERNAL REST…On Sunday May 12, 2024, Inez was called to her eternal heavenly home. She peacefully transitioned at home, surrounded by her loving family.

A TIME TO LEARN…She completed her education at Colleton County High School in 1954, then went on to attend Baltimore City Community College pursuing a degree in business.

A TIME TO LOVE…In the late 1950s, Inez moved to Baltimore, Maryland and lived with her grandfather and his family. She met, fell in love with, then married Samuel Smith on June 30, 1959. From this union, two children were born, daughter Jacqueline Annette Smith and son Samuel Lee Smith. The union lasted 15 years, until Samuel's untimely passing in 1974.

A TIME TO WORK…Inez began her career at age 18, where she worked at Sess' Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland. During her employment there, she met her future husband to be. After her marriage, she chose to become a stay-at-home mother. She returned to the workforce after the passing of her husband and worked in the retail business for over 40 years until her retirement in 2017.

A TIME TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY…Inez loved to prepare meals for neighborhood kids, from her time in Baltimore to relocating to Prince George's County, Maryland, where she resided with her daughter, late son-in-law Weston Alexander, Jr., and their family. She felt it was her mission to make sure the neighborhood was fed, and she was well-loved by neighbors.

A TIME TO LIVE AND LAUGH…Inez loved to garden. From flowers to fresh vegetables, if the weather permitted, Inez was in the yard working hard in one of her famous straw hats. She gained many admirers who often stopped by and inquired about her green thumb. She was a doting grandmother who would not allow any grandchild to be with a want or need. No child in her presence went without a hearty meal and an abundance affection and gifts. She also loved to adorn the yard with holiday decorations, especially for Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Neighborhood kids loved to stop by the house to admire and celebrate her creations. When she was not doing for others, Inez was known for her no nonsense attitude and jokes. She will truly be missed by her family, friends, and staff at local businesses she frequented.

A TIME TO MOURN…She was preceded in death by her parents Harry Gadson, Sr. and Helen Gadson; husband Samuel Smith; brothers Sammie Gadson and Willie J. Gadson; and son-in-law Weston Alexander, Jr. She leaves to cherish in her memory her children Jacqueline Alexander and Samuel Lee Smith; Brother Harry Gadson, Jr.; Grandchildren Kyana Graham, Stephon Smith, Chadon Smith, Amani Alexander, and Weston Alexander, III.; Great-grandchildren Kenyse Graham, Ky'Air Small and Carlee Lightner; Special Sister-in-Law Diane Gadson; Nieces Damaris Coles and Michelle Holliday; Nephews Gregory Gadson, Patrick Gadson, Harry Gadson, Nicholas Gadson, Elijah Gadson, Isaac Gadson and Kevin Gadson ; and a host of other extended family members and friends.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, May 18th from 3pm until time of funeral service at 4pm in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment private.