"Brooks, I just learned of your mothers passing. I am very sorry for your loss. I have not seen Aunt Lillian in many years but hold very fond memories of her from my early years in Virginia. I had spoke to her several times over the last couple of years had she always had the strongest of spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Troy Small"
In loving memory of
Lillian S Smith
March 5, 1924 - October 8, 2017
Lillian S. Smith,
Amazing Woman, Very Special Lady, Loving Matriarch
Definition of matriarch
:a woman who rules or dominates a family, group, or state; specifically :a mother who is head and ruler of her family and descendants
Lillian ruled with love for 93 years!
March 5th 1924 to October 8th 2017
Lillian was born on March 5, 1924 in Norfolk Virginia the daughter of Rufus Small and Pearl Temple Small. Lillian was a recognized professional within the Tidewater Automobile Dealer Associations, working as an office manager for several local automobile dealers in in the Norfolk Virginia area during her career which ended in her late 70's after a stroke. She was also a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 5 in Norfolk. Lillian was a single mother raising her son after the early death of her husband Merrill W. Smith in 1968 also of Norfolk Va. She was an extremely dedicated, loving mother and extremely proud of her son and his accomplishments. Everyone acquainted with Lillian knows she was one of the kindest and most generous people in the world. She gave all that she had and loved endlessly without limits those who came into her life. Many that met her adopted her as their mother and she gladly accepted them as she enjoyed giving and loving more then anything in her life. She was our matriarch and her expanded family took in her stepchildren, neighbors and friends and loved them like her own. She was respected, admired and loved by everyone who met her. Lillian was a truly beautiful woman in every aspect with a brilliant mind and a huge heart.
On October 8th 2017 at 8:11 am Lillian passed away in Ft Lauderdale Florida where she had been residing with her son. She was an amazing woman with unstoppable strength and an incredible will to live, surviving strokes, breast cancer, bone cancer, and heart attacks. Her mind was perfect and she could still balance her checkbook at 93. Lillian was a true matriarch who lived 93 glorious years but it was time for her to rest now and be with God. She did so much while on this earth for so many that she will never be forgotten. God is lucky to have her now as his newest angel. She will surely make her mark in heaven as she has here an earth.
Lillian is survived by her son Merrill Brooks Smith, his intended Dr. Maria Magalhaes, her daughter Rosanna Rhea, and her husband Clarence J Rhea III, her grandchildren Clarence J Rhea IV, and his wife Meredith M Rhea, Christopher M. Rhea, and his wife Ashley L Rhea and great grand children Lyla and Cody.
Lillian was preceded by her husband Merrill W. Smith, her stepson Mitchell Lawrence Smith and her 4 siblings, Mildred, Emily, Helen and Billy.
Tributes
"I loved to talk on the phone to Mrs. Smith and we usually talked for a while to catch up on the events of the family and health issues for both our families. She really was one of a kind, she could be serious, but also funny. She seemed to understand and never seemed to pass judgement on what we could talk about. She suffered plenty with the effects of her health problems, but was never a cry baby. She took it all in stride and wasn't going to let anyone feel sorry for her but also she was going to say what she thought. I respect her so much. She loved her precious cat and always loved that it would come sit on her chest when she went to bed, as though the cat understood that he was her companion and was looking after her. At first, Mrs. Smith would get on her computer and email me but she got to a point that it was just too difficult with the only the one arm. She told me stories of the time the aid helped her to get in the bathtub and left her there without helping her to get out or dry off. She only had use of one side of her body, she knew she was in trouble. She was a strong woman and loved her family very much. She liked things in order and was a perfectionist but she hoped that everyone else would have the same ethics that she did with their work and home. She was something else, but such a good role model. I am so sad that she passed away, I read it in Sunday's paper in Virginia. She would tell me stories of how she put the carrots in her back pocket at the farm when they were in Chesapeake and the horses would follow her around. She loved that, and was a woman of honor and respect. I will miss my friend and the strength she had. She was so thrilled to tell me about the new boat and how she was going to ride in it, God is lucky to have such a wonderful new manager in heaven. Rest in Peace.Dear Lillian, I will always remember you with love and respect. Debbie & Kenny Lucey"
"Earlier this week my mom Lillian Smith passed away at age 93. She was an amazing woman. For those of you that knew her she gave all she was to those she loved. No one ever had a bigger heart and she leaves a hole in my heart so big it's unfathomable. I'm sure those who loved her also all feel this as well. I would be nothing today if not for what she taught me. She's had a tough fight over many years and she was so strong after a stroke at 77 then breast and bone cancer and heart attacks. No mom has ever been as good to a son a she was to me. None was ever stronger to live in the pain she has for years just to stay here on this earth with me. She rests in peace now with God and he is so lucky to have her. God bless you Mom and thank you for giving me your heart and soul. I love you with every ounce of my heart and soul. Your loving son Brooks. "
"Having known Lillian for many years, Lillian had a strong work ethic and a passion for detail. She was very good at sizing up people. She's never had an unspoken thought. She took great pride in her independence. She loved her animal friends. I remember the way she decorated the stairs for the holidays. She was very proud of Brooks. I will always have fond memories of Lillian. Gary Jones"