Tyese Latisha Smith, 50, of Port Tobacco, Maryland.

God first shone His rays of light on Tyese Latisha Smith on March 15, 1973 in Washington, DC. Tyese was the firstborn child of Sarah Elizabeth Gorham Smith and the late Ronald David Smith. Nicknamed "Two Shoes" at an early age, Tyese used those two shoes to traverse Charles and Prince George's counties with fearlessness and determination Tyese entered the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools in elementary school.
She thrived immediately, holding academic, social and elected positions at St. Mary's of Piscataway and St. Philip the Apostle parish schools. She attended and left her mark on La Reine High School in Suitland, Maryland. Her unquestioned leadership at the school was substantiated by her election to Student Body President in her graduating year of 1991.

Ty chose James Madison University for her undergraduate studies. She became a central figure on the JMU campus and within the Harrisonburg, Virginia community. Ty pledged the Theta Nu chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Two Shoes became #2 on their pledge line – known as Big Sister Clarity. She received a Bachelor's of Science in Marketing and Communications and worked in the Richmond, VA area as a
newly-degreed professional. Years later, Tyese attained a Masters of Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Tyese's love of children, natural leadership ability and passion for instruction was God's divine gift for her life's work. This alchemy created Tyese Smith, the Educator,
affectionately known to her students as "Coach". During her career, Ty taught scores of Maryland school children. "Coach" impacted the lives of her students at St. Mary's of the Assumption School in Upper Marlboro, MD, Mary Matula Elementary School in LaPlata, MD and Rosaryville Elementary School in Upper Marlboro, MD. She taught with her whole being, becoming a living example of compassion adopting and instilling in others the Matthew 25 lifestyle. Tyese personally purchased school supplies, personal care items and winter clothing for her students in need. She then led those students to perform monthly community service at local food banks and homeless shelters.

Tyese proclaimed her greatest contribution to the world to be her daughter, Taylor Breanne Smith.  Her "Angel Girl," Taylor ever remained Ty's source of pride, daily motivation and repository of the strengths and gifts of a phenomenal mother. Their love was singular and consuming. Indeed, Tyese herself was the recipient of such a mother's love. Following the death of her father, Tyese dedicated the last 23 years of her life caring for and partnering with her beloved Mother, Sarah Elizabeth Smith. The pair exemplified a symbiosis of love, respect, and unity. Their allegiance to
each other was complete and reciprocal. With family as their foundation, Tyese and her sisters – Joy McGriff and L'oreal Edmondson – used
their sisterly bond as the lens in which they viewed and shaped the world around them. Dubbing Tyese as "Tisa", the Smith Sisters conquered life together. Their union was ancient and eternal.

Ty's light shone brightly for 50 years in this earthly realm. On April 2, 2023, God called her home to eternal rest. She will be remembered forever. Tyese leaves to mourn her loss and forever cherish her precious memories; her daughter Taylor Smith; mother, Sarah Smith; sisters Joy McGriff (Tara) and L'oreal Edmondson (Osceola); nephews: Smith Beynen and Issac Ruble; and nieces: Grace and Lily Edmondson. Aunts: Joyce Gorham, Lille Darden, Madie Shackleford (David), Vickie Phillips (Donnie) and Beverly Swann. Uncles, Retired General James Roy Gorham (Barbara), Walter Gorham (Velma), Leon Hankins (Evelyn) and Carlson Hankins, Jr.. Godmothers: Viola Kirby and Patricia Green; Best Friend Jacqueline Bienko; Matula Fifth Grade Teacher Group, "OGs" and a host of friends and other loved ones.

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I
will consider all your works and meditate on your mighty deeds" – Psalms 77:11-12.

Friends may visit with the family, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640 and on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646, Viewing, 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 a.m., Interment, St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery, 4590 St. Joseph's Way, Pomfret, Maryland 20675.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lupus Research Alliance.

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