On Monday, January 11, 2021, Deirdrea Cecilia “Snookie” Smith departed this earth and gained her wings to returned home. She is survived by her husband, Herbert L. Smith, sister, Shirley Lewis (Leslie), 3 children, Deirdrea “Dee” Smith, Giquita “Quita” Smith, and Herbert N. Smith (Tamika), and by her only grandchild, Zaria C. Smith. Other family members left to grieve her passing include her 5 brother-in-laws, Alfred Gurley (Denise), Calvin H. Gurley (Charmaine), James White (Tootsie) and Earl Gurley (Jesse), one sister-in-law, Carolyn A. Bowling (Sampson), and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncles, especially her nephew John “Bo” Sharpe, who considers his late Aunt a second mother.
Snookie was born to Agnes and Charles Stewart on March 8th, 1943. Snookie, Shirley, and their late siblings, Marva “Tootsie” White and Charles “Chuck” Stewart, were introduced to the church at an early age. She joined Antioch Baptist Church at the age of 10 where she became an active member. She was known to travel with the church and was highly involved with the church’s junior choir in securing funding for church trips. While a member of the church, she worked on the church’s “Singing Christmas Tree” program, which was one of her pride and joys. Deirdrea devoted her life to God and placed his grace above all. She loved gospel music and was known to fill her house with the sounds of Shirley Caesar and her favorite hymn, “Rough Side of the Mountain.”
Snookie attended the DC Public School system and graduated from Spingarn High School in June 1960. She met and married the love of her life, Herb, on February 27th, 1965. Herb was swept off of his feet by Snookie’s million-dollar smile and kind heart. Snookie’s pride and joy was her family. She never hesitated to sacrifice her time, money, or patience to ensure that her family and friends had food on the table, clothes on their back, and a smile on their face. She treasured family trips and was always on the move, be it in D.C., North Carolina, or on a train traveling across the country. Snookie was also an excellent cook, and was famous for her fried chicken, deviled eggs, and homemade cheesecake.
Snookie’s caring nature and devotion to God led her to a career in the healthcare system. Snookie worked for Prince George’s General Hospital from 1961-1966. She then worked at D.C. General Hospital from 1967 until 1986. After leaving DC General Hospital, she went on to work at Saint Elizabeth Hospital until her retirement in 2004.
Snookie will be greatly missed. Her time on this earth will be cherished by all whose lives she has touched. The family extends it’s thankfulness in this heart-breaking time.
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