Edna Smith

Edna Mae Smith, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and community leader,
was born November 26, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away peacefully on Thursday,
October 23, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loved ones.
Edna was the daughter of Edna L. Armstrong and William Howard Brown Sr. and grew up
in a home filled with music, nurtured by the sounds of her father's Big Band. She married the
late Delouis Barnes, later Albert Roberson Jr., and then Donald Smith.
Edna built a long and respected career in health care administration, contributing to
published medical research literature through partnerships with distinguished physicians within
the departments of Anesthesiology and Plastic Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical
Center. She was known for her meticulous work, quiet competence, and dedication to helping
others.
Beyond her professional life, Edna loved quilting and cooking, bringing warmth and
creativity to every gathering. She served as a leader on her local election commission. She was
an Eastern Star (Bathsheba Chapter No. 9) and was an active member of the Red Hat Society,
honored as Queen Mum of her chapter. Her bright spirit and tenacity lifted those around her
and offered a familiar comfort.
She is survived by her sister, Freda L. Moulden as well as her children Carolyn (Lee)
Miles, Gregory Barnes, Derrick Barnes, Sandra Williams, Lisa (Richard) Burbank and Albert
(Shawniqua) Roberson. She was preceded in death by her siblings, William Howard Brown Jr.,
Wilma Smith, Willard E. Brown and Donald Brown. Her legacy lives on through 17 grandchildren
and 23 great grandchildren, full of her light and love.