Margaret Smith

Margaret Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at the age of 91, due to natural causes. Born on December 28, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, Margaret was the loving daughter of Frank Johnson and Agnes Thornton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Mary Lemmons, Patricia Albert, Henry Johnson, Otis Cotton, Mildred Brazil, her dear son Leonard B. Smith-Mailey, and many aunts and uncles. Margaret's life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication. She married John Smith Jr. in 1961, and together they raised six wonderful children in Detroit: Renee Alexander, John Sebron Smith, Tyree Smith (Satonia), Rodney Smith, and Keturah Smith. Her legacy continues through her 29 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish her memory and the wisdom she imparted. Education was a significant part of Margaret's journey. She graduated from Wayne County Community College with two Associate of Science degrees in 1980 before pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science from Mercy College. Her passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling career as a Dental Hygienist and later as a childcare worker at the Detroit Medical Center, where she retired, having touched the lives of many children with her kindness and care. Margaret was a devout Jehovah’s Witness from the age of 20, dedicated to her faith and community. Even as her health declined, she continued to share her beliefs through phone calls, always ready with a biblical verse for any situation. Her love for Bible studies, roller skating, walking, and traveling filled her days with joy and adventure. She was a beacon of strength and warmth, known for her unwavering faith and her ability to provide comfort and guidance to those around her. Her special niece and traveling buddy, Beverly Calhoun, along with dear friends Helen Jackson, Loretta Brazleton, Eliza Flowers, Beverly Lamb, and Beverly Chisholm, were among the many whose lives she enriched. A service to celebrate Margaret's life will be held on July 16, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the James H. Cole Funeral Home, located at 16100 Schaefer Highway, Detroit, MI 48235. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all the wonderful family members, friends, doctors, and nurses who enriched Margaret’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Margaret. Margaret's family and friends will hold her close in their hearts, forever grateful for the love, joy, and wisdom she shared during her remarkable life. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.