Mildred A. Smith, loved by a host of family and friends; Visitation will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm, Friday, May 29, 2026 at Lucas Memorial Chapel 9010 Garfield Blvd. Garfield Hts., OH. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 9:30am on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the same location. The family will receive friends one-half hour prior to service. Live streaming will be available at www.lucasfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Lucas Memorial Chapel. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Mildred Ann Smith (Hawkins) was born on November 17, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Douglas Ford and Evelyn Hawkins. She was their beloved only child.

At an early age, Mildred accepted Christ as her Savior and joined New Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she began her lifelong journey of faith. She attended school in Birmingham and graduated from Ullman High School in 1963. In 1965, she relocated to Painesville, Ohio, to live with her great-aunt, Lucille Anderson, where she built a life rooted in love, family, and community.

On June 29, 1968, Mildred was united in holy matrimony to Samuel Ray Smith. Their union was blessed with 37 years of marriage until Samuel’s passing in May 2006. Together, they lovingly raised two children, Samuel Ray Smith II and Shonte’ LaNise Smith.

Mildred was a dedicated employee of Ursuline College, where she worked in the campus café for 10 years before retiring. She was known for her warm spirit, caring nature, and strong work ethic.

In her leisure time, Mildred found joy in reading, sewing, gardening, cooking, and baking, but most importantly, spending treasured moments with family and friends. She touched many lives with her kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength.

Mildred leaves to cherish her precious memories: her son, Samuel Ray Smith II; her daughter, Shonte’ LaNise Smith; her granddaughters, Peyton L. Smith-Caffey and Averie M. Smith; and her grandson, Samuel R. Smith III. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Though she will be deeply missed, Mildred’s love, faith, and legacy will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family