Darryl Mark Smith

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Darryl Mark Smith, who departed this life on October 18, 2025, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Born on November 10, 1962, he was the beloved son of the late Franklin and Nellie Smith.
A proud 1980 graduate James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury, MD, followed by Bowie State University, Darryl built a meaningful and successful career as a management analyst for the federal government at the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). His professionalism, insight, and warmth earned him the respect and affection of colleagues and friends alike.
Generous and loving, Darryl was a true people person in every sense. He had an extraordinary gift for making others feel seen, valued, and uplifted. His infectious personality, contagious laugh, one-of-a-kind mannerisms, and unique persona, and unmistakable charm left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Darryl loved people, and people loved him. A natural storyteller and gifted comedian, Darryl could light up any room with his humor and heart. His passion for storytelling led him to become deeply involved with Story District in Washington, D.C., where he shared his wit, creativity, and authenticity with captivated audiences. Some of Darryl's performances are still available on YouTube, where his warmth and authenticity continue to inspire and entertain.
Darryl was also a lover of life and adventure. He found great joy in traveling, most recently sharing a memorable trip to Mexico with his beloved husband. A devoted fan of game shows, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by appearing on The Price Is Right; and, of course, he walked away a winner!
An excellent cook and a deeply thoughtful son, brother, uncle and friend, Darryl poured care into everything he did and everyone he knew. He held a lifelong admiration for the legendary Dionne Warwick, whose music and grace inspired him and whose song "That's What Friends Are For" beautifully reflected the way he lived his life. Darryl's warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit enriched the lives of all who knew him. His legacy of love and laughter will continue to live on in the countless stories he told and the many hearts he touched.
Darryl is survived by his husband, Edouardo Benjamin, one sister, Rev. Patricia Smith Bess, nieces, Aria Montgomery, Ashlee Smith, and Adrian Smith, nephews Herlen Bess (wife) and Aigner Smith and sister in law, Cathy Smith. Additionally he is survived by numerous great nieces and nephews, Ariyah Cordell, Chloe Cordell, Carys Cordell, Ada Smith, Aubree Williams, Amoura Fletcher, Grayson Bess, Christian Williams, and Chase Williams. Darryl was preceded in death by his older brother Franklin Stevenson Smith.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2pm at Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Road. Friends are welcome to visit one hour prior. Darryl's sister, Rev. Patricia Bess will officiate the service.
Flowers are welcome for the family but if you feel inclined to make a donation in his memory, please donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (pcf.org) or SMYAL (smyal.org)]
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road.