George Smith

George R. Smith PORTSMOUTH - George Ronald Smith, 62, originally of Portsmouth, departed this life Sept. 16, 2008, in the AtlantiCare Medical Center, Mainland Campus, Galloway Township, New Jersey. George was born and raised in Portsmouth to the late Katie S. Woodley and the late Edward L. Woodley Sr. He attended the local public schools in Portsmouth and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1964. He later attended Norfolk State University and graduated from Marjorie Webster College in Washington, D.C., with a degree in social work specializing in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. In 1970, he moved to Atlantic City, N.J., where he was employed by the John Brooks Recovery Center as director of the Methadone Maintenance Program. In 1978, he opened and co-owned Geordan's Hair Salon/Salon Zuri until 2005. He also was one of the founding owners of Geordan's Concerts, an entertainment corporation which brought numerous African-American artists/entertainers to perform in various casinos and clubs in Atlantic City, along the East Coast and even South Africa. George was also a dedicated Master Mason with Hiram Abiff Lodge No. 16 in Pleasantville, N.J. George was an instrumental figure in spearheading the annual tradition "The Best of Friends Reunion," which brought numerous former Tidewater residents back to Portsmouth for a celebration of memories and friendship. Even though he left Portsmouth many years ago, George always considered Portsmouth as "home." He is survived by his devoted wife, Alriene; daughters, Julia McQuillia, Vonda George (Deric), Chaka Gore (Kevin) and Bradi Lynn Smith; sons, Troy Johnson and Sharif Smith; sisters, Flora Adams (James), Gloria Flowers (Steve) and Carol Woodley; brothers Edward Woodley (Alberta), Charles Woodley (Martha) and Marshall Woodley; grandchildren, Tasia, Taj, Saadiq and Cheyenne; great-grandchildren L'Mya and T'Kya; god daughters, Tracy, Vanessa and Stephanie. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dorothy Freeland; special aunt, Catherine Smith; a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and many, many special and wonderful friends who he considered his family. He will truly be missed and words can't express the love and adoration for him that we will carry with us forever. The funeral will be held Monday at noon in Saint Marks Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2714 Frederick Blvd., Portsmouth. Internment will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Chesapeake. Arrangements entrusted to Corprew Funeral Homes, Portsmouth.