Charles W. Smith, Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mr. Charles Wesley Smith, Sr., affectionately known as “Charlie Boy”, “Smitty”, and “Dawg” entered into eternal rest on July 17, 2022. He was the third of six children, born on February 8, 1933, to the late Albert S. Smith and Susan Helms Smith of Washington, District of Columbia (D.C.). Charles Sr. came of age in the Deanwood neighborhood of Northeast, D.C. As a youth, he enjoyed spending time with his siblings and playing sports, especially football. He was educated in the D.C. Public School System, graduating from Phelps Senior High School in 1951. In 1953, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Korean War, as a Medic, during his two-year tenure. In 1955, he was joined in holy matrimony to Freda Yvonne Walker. From this blessed union two children were born: Charlene Laquetta Smith (Chamberlain) and Charles Wesley Smith, Jr. Charles Sr. was a devoted husband to Freda for nearly five decades. He also was a proud father and doting grandfather. Charles Sr. enjoyed a very special bond with all his grandchildren, including raising his eldest granddaughter. From 1955 to 1959, Charles was employed by the D.C. General Hospital as an Orderly. In 1960, he began his career as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant (P.N.A.) at St. Elizabeths Hospital. During his 45 years of service, he remained committed to providing quality health care to individuals receiving psychiatric care. This commitment earned him many honors and awards for outstanding work as a P.N.A. Charles Sr. served in several areas during his career, always working with individuals diagnosed with chronic mental illnesses. He had a soothing and calming effect on his clients. “Pops”, as he came to be affectionately known at work, often unselfishly offered his time, money, and love to his clients and coworkers. Creating an additional stream of income, Charles Sr. drove a taxicab for nearly forty-five years. He enjoyed being in the driver’s seat, chatting with his passengers, and possessing a GPS-like knowledge of the Nation’s Capital. Additionally, he coached football to youth. After 47 years of marriage, his first wife, Freda, passed away. Charles Sr. eventually decided that it was time to date again. And, after a beautiful courtship, he married his long-time friend and co-worker, Cynthia Davis on June 11, 2005. They enjoyed 17 years of marital bliss. He was known to boast about how much he loved his devoted wife. In retirement, Charles Sr. and Cynthia enjoyed taking on various home improvement projects, traveling together on land and by sea, bowling, playing card games and spending quality time with each other and their grandchildren. Cynthia had two children from a previous marriage—Dennis Jr. and Cheryl—who Charles Sr. loved and cared for deeply. Charles Sr. was a faithful member of the Randall Memorial United Methodist Church for 87 years, a church his family helped to establish. In honor of his family’s legacy, he served dutifully as a Church Trustee, member of the Usher Board, United Methodist Men, Men of Randall and the Senior Ministry for many years. As a member of the Senior Ministry, he volunteered to deliver the Food Share program to members of the congregation and surrounding community. He also provided services for senior citizens, assisting them in finding housing and providing transportation to and from church, visiting the sick and shut-ins, shopping, and other activities. Charles Sr. is preceded in death by his first wife, Freda, his sisters Sarah and Elnora and his brothers, Albert and Andrew. He is survived by his wife Cynthia, children Charlene (Louis) and Charles Jr., stepchildren Dennis Jr. and Cheryl, grandchildren, Nilajah (Mark Sr.), Charles III, Prudence, Adam (Renneese) and D’Andre, his step-grandchildren, Dennis III, Shaun Jr, Keniya, Tyjaun, Korey, Demiyah, Devyn and Demari, fourteen great-grandchildren, a loving brother Sylvester, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, church members, and other cherished loved ones.

Tributes

Charles W. Smith, Sr.

February 8, 1933 - July 18, 2022