Theresa Jean Smith

Theresa Jean (Howard) Smith was born on Wednesday, December 8, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio. On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Culpeper, Virginia, surrounded by children, grandchildren, and extended family, she took her last breath. Born a perfect baby with flawless skin and rich black hair, Theresa was the second daughter of Riverson, and Ophelia C. Howard. Nicknamed "Terry" by an adult half-brother she grew in beauty and wisdom. With an older sister and later a younger brother, Theresa cherished being the middle child, and in her mind, Daddy's favorite. Achieving perfect scores and all A's throughout elementary, secondary, and early high school years, her higher-education academic achievements include attending Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland State University, and earning a Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix.

Theresa loved God, the church, her family, food, beautiful clothes, jewelry, traveling, and shopping, not necessarily in that order. She placed her life in the hands of God and was saved and baptized at the age of 12 at Mount Pleasant Church Of God in Cleveland, Ohio. There, she served as a junior usher and sang in the children's choir, later transitioning to the adult choir. Theresa's friends were as wholesome and genuine as she was, and their friendships endured throughout her lifetime. In the mid-1960s, she met the love of her life, her husband Robert Jerome (Bobby) Smith. For over 40 years, through better and worse, for richer and poorer, through separations and reconnections, in sickness and in health, their love endured. At the time of his passing, she said, "Every part of my past, present, and future revolved around Bobby."

Smart, intelligent, and well-educated, Theresa held managerial and leadership roles throughout her career. A strong communicator with unquestionable integrity, she demonstrated courage in leadership through empowerment. As a software developer, system administrator, analyst, and department head, her knowledge, experience, and advanced skills made her respected and sought after by many. A lover of sharing and giving back, Theresa supported her family, sponsored extended family members, was a benefactor of family events, and generously tithed to the church she loved. She served as a caregiver to her mother, who passed away in 2001, her half-sister, who passed away in 2008, and her husband, who passed away in 2013. In loving memory of him and the profound love they shared; she authored the book titled "Because I Loved Him: An ALS Caregiver's Diary".

Theresa is survived by daughters Tanya Patrice (Joseph) Smith, of Culpeper Virginia, Nicole Marie {Kimberly) Smith, of Bedford Heights Ohio, stepson Robert Jerome (Marion) Smith III, of Bedford Heights Ohio, grandchildren, Joseph Smith, Cameron Smith, Regina Williams (William) Brown, Robert Jerome Smith IV, Ryan Smith; sister Shirley Howard Hall of Broken Arrow Oklahoma, brother Larry D. (Deborah) Howard, of Cleveland Ohio, Goddaughter and namesake Theresa L. Hall of Broken Arrow Oklahoma, and Godson Larry D. (Kendall) Howard, of Kannapolis North Carolina; cousin and end-of-life caregiver, Vicki Wilson, of Cleveland, Ohio, a much-loved extended family and large circle of friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Jerome Smith, Jr, her father, Riverson Howard, mother Ophelia C. Howard, half-sisters Ernestine King, and Ruby Martin, and half-brother Wilson Howard. With inquisitive eyes and an engaging smile Theresa talked to everyone. No one was a stranger, and she believed there was good in everyone - especially the family she loved.