Obituary of Demetrius J. Smith

On November 24, 2020, at 1:48 p.m., the Lord sent his heavenly angel for our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and godmother to gather her wings and now she is resting peacefully.

Demetrius Joseph Smith (lovingly known as “Nesie”)was born on June 27, 1954, to the late Ethel Mae Clark and the late Robert Joseph, Jr., in Washington, D.C.  She was one of 11 children; 7 girls and 4 boys.  She was proceeded in death by her brother Robert “Chucky” Joseph, her sister Anna, and her twin.

Nesie was a true Washingtonian.  She was educated in the D.C. Public Schools system.  She was raised by her grandparents the late Lillie Mae and Robert Joseph, Sr.  She grew up in the Baptist church but later converted to the Seventh Day Adventist church. Demetrius attended and loved being a part of the Seabrook Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lanham, Maryland.  She volunteered and participated in many church activities.  She was always improving her relationship with the Lord. As a member of the church community, she assisted the Hospitality Committee and the Children’s church on occasions.

Of Nesie’s first union, three children were born; Sherri, Dirk, and Brandy.  On July 13, 1990, she married Horace Smith, Jr., and to this union one child was born;Horace, III.  She loved her children; they were all the apple of her eye. She was selfless mother, and not only helped to raise her sister, and her own children, but served as a surrogate mother to many more. 

Nesie was employed for 24 years at University Maryland Prince Georges Hospital, formerly known as Dimensions Healthcare P.G. Community Hospital, as a Dietary Technician and she was a delegate for 1199 SEIU Maryland/DC. As a union representative, she won countless ethical work cases for employees, fought for healthcare rights, and helped with voting issues by working with the minority groups and communities. She found joy in welcoming others and making sure everyone was acknowledged in her presence. Also, she received countless recognitions for a phenomenal job well done for her service with the union and her dedicated tenure with P.G. Community Hospital.

Nesie was a true underdog that fought for her blessings—things that some may take for granted. One can’t imagine her without thinking of her welcoming nature and infectious smile. She loved flowers and gardening; it brought her so much joy. She also loved to dance!You could not be in her presence and not feel loved. She was truly a gift from God and will be deeply and greatly missed. 

Though we are saddened by her passing, we celebrate how she lived her life and 
the unselfish, boundless love she gave to all that knew her. She left a mark on our lives that will never fade.

Her retirement will be in heaven—she deserves nothing less.

Nesie leaves to cherish in her memory, her devoted and loving husband Horace Smith, Jr; two daughters Sherri and one son-in-law Michael Howard, of District Heights, MD; Brandy Odom of Upper Marlboro, MD;two sons Dirk Odom of Brandywine, MD, and HoraceSmith, III, of Upper Marlboro, MD; six grandchildrenKaitlyn, Amanda, Brittany, Clarke, Brandon, and Christopher; one great grandson Sage; her adopted daughter Khadija, goddaughter Nadia and godson Maduka; her precious dog Lacey, her lifelong loving best friend of over 60 years Gloria; and a host of sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.  

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