Audrey Diana Smith

It is always difficult to say goodbye when a loved one is called home, and although we knew this day would come, we hoped and prayed that we would have more time. Audrey fought a good fight. We will be forever grateful for our time with her, the lessons she taught us, and the love she gave. Losing Audrey leaves a tremendous void in our hearts and lives, and it will take time for us to heal. We find comfort in knowing that she lived a good life surrounded by people who loved her and whose lives she touched in immeasurable ways.

Audrey Diana Smith was born on July 26, 1951, in St. Michaels, Barbados, the last of three children to parents Eileen Smith and Elliot Garnes. She attended Edgehill school and later worked at Jones Supermarket in Eagle Hall as a clerk until she immigrated to the United States in 1989. Audrey worked as a Nanny for more than ten years before attaining her certification as a Nurse's Assistant. She was an employee at the Hopkins Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare until her retirement in 2017.

Audrey was sadly taken from us on Monday, October 02, 2023, at age 72. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lisa Nicole Smith, and is survived by her son, Andre Smith, and her only granddaughter, Chiara Smith McCune-Perkins. Her nieces and nephews include Annette Smith, Sonia Bailey, Joan Turney, Sandra Worrell, Roslyn (Suzie) Griffith, Winston Smith, Michael Smith, Victor Smith, Donnette Pollard, and Ryan (Omar) Smith. Audrey was preceded in death by nephew Hubert Smith.

She will be missed by her cousins Sheila (Sis) Smith, Angela Worrell, Tyrone Smith, Earl Smith, and Janice Ward; her friends Jan Phillip, Ms. Smith, and her church sister, Mrs. Eunice Besay-Wallen.

Devoted Christian was the perfect word to describe Audrey. Audrey gave her life to God more than three decades ago and has never wavered in her faith. Her faith gave her the ultimate strength when she lost her beloved daughter, Lisa. Most people who got to know Audrey would always comment on her deep faith and submission to God's will. One of her great joys was attending her home church, Christ Church International.

Although Audrey was a strict disciplinarian, she is remembered by her two nieces, Sandra and Suzie, for all the fond memories she created for them during their childhood. Those memories are as clear and as vivid as if they happened yesterday. She was more like a second mother than an aunt.

Audrey was known to be outspoken, and her straightforward personality was often appreciated by people who got to know her. However, she also had a rich sense of humor and was known for making people laugh while she kept a straight face. Audrey became well-known and sought after for her famous fish cakes. I am sure many of you here today can attest to that. She was expected to consistently attend gatherings with a batch of her famous fish cakes.

Although she is no longer with us, her love and perseverance resonate with everyone whose lives she touched.

A visitation for Audrey will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Christ Church International, 122-20 Merrill Street, JMU, New York 11434. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM, 122-20 Merrill Street, Jamaica, New York 11434. A burial will occur Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 11:45 AM at Maple Grove Cemetery, 83-15 Kew Gardens Rd, Kew Gardens, New York.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rstutzmannandsonfuneralhome.com for the Smith family.