Gloria Jean Smith

Gloria Jean Watson-Smith, age 72, of Albion, Michigan received her heavenly award on Thursday May 12, 2022. She was born in Chicago Illinois to the union of J.C and Dorothy Watson, she was their only child.

She graduated from Albion Senior Highschool in 1967 and moved back to Chicago where she married her first husband Craig Byrd.

She was baptized and gave her life to Christ at an early age and attended Greater Harvest Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois. She moved back to Albion and later joined John 3:16 Ministries. She moved her membership over to Faith Temple of Jackson, Michigan under the leadership of Apostle John Walker, where she remained a faithful member until she became ill and could no longer attend in person.

Back in the 1990’s Gloria worked at The Fedco Convenience Store until it’s closing and from then on she remained a homemaker.

She married the LOVE OF HER LIFE Robert Smith in 1995. He was a faithful and dedicated husband that took excellent care of his wife. After she became ill and could no longer care for herself Robert took meticulous care of her without complaint giving her outstanding care, love and kindness until her last breath.

She enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Gloria also enjoyed attending church, garage sales, crocheting, knitting, cross word puzzles, watching Andy Griffin and her Westerns.

Our angel was beautiful inside and out. We will miss her sassy walk, her soft voice and her funny way of making us laugh especially each time she said “shut up”.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Robert Smith of Albion, and her mother in-law Inez Smith of Battle Creek. Her sons Kenny Byrd of Jackson, Tony Byrd, Derrick Byrd of Albion, and Edwin Smith of Alaska. Her three daughters, Venelea Avant of Lansing, Danyle Smith and Doretha (Robert) Warren of Albion. One brother in-law Richard Smith of Battle Creek; four sister in-laws Jennifer Smith of Battle Creek, Judy Sexton of Tennesse, and Joyce Smith, Jeanette Smith-Laws both of California. Additionally, she had three other very special sister in-laws that she was extremely close to: Debra Broadnux, Phyllis Shores, and Laydia Shores all of Chicago, Illinois. HER SPECIAL UNCLE Calvin Lewis of Albion that she loved and cherished. Two special cousins Brenda Atchison and Joyce Carter. A few special friends Malikh Tolbert, Bertha Grandberry, Mary Wilkins and Rose Jackson.

Gloria has a blessed lineage that lives to carry on her family which consist of 31 Grandchildren, 44 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great- Great Grandchild and one God Daughter (O’sha Tolbert).

Many came through her household that called her mama, but some were more than special to her: Naomi Smith, Lavisha McDonald, Torey Jones, Keisha Whetstone and Renee Miller.

Preceding her in death, her mother and father, two sons Marlon Byrd (Fish), and Bobby Smith. Grandson Jason Whetstone, special daughter Phoebe Taylor, and special friend Betty Johnson.

A family hour for Gloria will be held Friday, May 27, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI 49224

To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com