Dezrie Celestine Smith

Life & Legacy

Dr. Dezrie C. Smith

A woman of unwavering love, fierce determination, and limitless generosity, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, advocate, and cherished friend. Today, we honor the remarkable life of a truly phenomenal woman. To know her was to witness grace in action, strength, and kindness radiated from her, touching everyone she met. Her joyful spirit lit up every room, and her steady presence was a foundation for her family and those who loved her deeply. Guided throughout her life by her faith and trust in God, she walked with purpose and peace.

Born on February 14, 1946, in McKenzie, Upper Demerara, Guyana, South America, she was the beloved daughter of the late Albert and Vivian Edwards. A devoted sister to James Edwards and a cherished sibling to her late brothers Micheal, Albert (Bertie), and Federick Edwards. Raised in a household where education and faith were cornerstones, she spent her younger years in Jacoba #1 Canal, West Bank Demerara, where she began her education at McGillivary and Laventure Primary Schools. She later attended Tutorial High School and successfully completed the GCE examination. Her first job was as an assistant teacher at St. Ambrose Primary while she awaited admission to nursing school. Upon acceptance, she pursued her studies with dedication—completing her training, graduating, and going on to work as a registered nurse at Georgetown Public Hospital in Guyana. From a young age, Dezrie felt a deep calling to care for others—a passion that would shape and define her life’s journey.

On August 13, 1966, Dezrie married the love of her life, Kenrick Smith. Their journey began in high school, and for 51 years, they remained devoted partners. Together, they raised five children—Sharon, Raye, Kenrick A., DeWayne, and Vaughn—creating a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions. To her children, Dezrie was more than a mother—she was their greatest supporter, always present on the sidelines, in the stands, and in every meaningful moment of their lives. As their family expanded, so did her heart. She welcomed eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter with open arms, showering each of them with unconditional love.

In 1970, Dezrie and her family migrated to the United States, where the next chapter of her remarkable journey unfolded. She began working as a neonatal nurse at Howard University Hospital, and with determination, later returned to school at Georgetown University in Washington, DC to pursue her passion for dentistry. While nurturing her growing family, she fulfilled her dream of opening her own dental practice. A notable accomplishment that reflected her resilience, dedication, and belief that no dream was too big, and no heart too small to hold the world. Dezrie wore many titles in her life, but the one she cherished above all was “Mom.” We are deeply thankful for the honor of being part of her life. Though we grieve her loss, we also celebrate a life that touched countless hearts and left a lasting legacy that will forever remain with us.

Dezrie welcomed family and friends into her home with open arms, especially during holidays, birthdays, and the beloved anniversary celebrations she and Kenrick hosted each August. She took great joy in sewing exquisite dresses for weddings, crocheting blankets in anticipation of each new grandchild, and preparing Sunday dinners that brought everyone together. Her gatherings were never just occasions—they were beautiful expressions of love in motion. Her presence, her radiant smile, her comforting voice, and her joyful, infectious laughter will be deeply missed.

Dezrie was peacefully called home on July 6th, 2025, at her residence in Clinton, Maryland, at the age of 79. She leaves behind a lasting legacy as a role model for family unity, love, respect, compassion, and endless dedication—values that will forever be deeply ingrained in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Dezrie leaves behind five children - Sharon Hoskins (Rick), Raye Yansen( Andrew), Kenrick Smith (Kelly), DeWayne Smith (Rosslyn), and Vaughn Smith, eleven grandchildren- Ricky Hoskins Jr., Dreana Yansen, Anthony Yansen, Maya Yansen, Silas Yansen, Lauren Smith, Kenrick M. Smith, Vivia Smith, Ki’Niya Smith, Ki’Asia Smith, Kimoni Smith, and one great- granddaughter Kanuri Smith. Brother-James Edward and a host of extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Kenrick Smith.