Vashti Smith

Vashti Smith passed away on July 10, 2025, in Margate, Florida surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old. Vashti was born on April 14, 1937, to Victoria Minto and William Hunter in Lottery, St James Parish in Jamaica West Indies. She was the sixth of eight children. Vashti was raised in the Seventh-day Adventist faith but later converted to the Anglican religion. She completed her education in Jamaica and became a well-known Seamstress throughout Kingston where she met Ivan Smith and fell in love – a love that would shape the rest of her days.

They later married and together raised four beautiful children, a testament of their shared love and commitment. After several years of building a life and a family, with courage and determination, Vashti took a leap of faith and journeyed to New York City to pursue an opportunity in the garment industry to work as a seamstress.

This bold decision marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in her life. Vashti worked hard and saved diligently during this time. In a relatively short period, she was able to bring her husband and all four children to the United States, giving them the chance at a better life and brighter future. Later, Vashti pursued training in the field of nursing and began working in senior care at

Hebrew Hospital in Bronx, New York. She devoted herself to this compassionate work until her retirement in 1992.

Vashti, affectionately known as “Mama” to many, was a deeply spiritual woman who offered wisdom and guidance to people of all ages. She was also well-versed in natural remedies - commonly known bush medicine - and often shared her life knowledge to help others improve their health and well-being.

In her later years, Vashti remained active and committed to her physical well-being. On her 77th birthday, while at the gym, she met Roland Machia. He came into her life at a crucial time and became a cherished friend and loyal companion, bringing her joy, laughter, and comfort.

His presence was a true blessing until the very end. Vashti was a beloved daughter, sister, auntie, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, and cherished friend. She lived a full and meaningful life, touching the hearts of many, and has been called home by the Most High, where she now rests in eternal peace.

Vashti is survived by

• Children: Jean her husband Zane Williams, Nigel his wife Margaret Smith,

Sharon and Merlyn

• Brothers: Lee James and Euton Hall

• Grandchildren: Tafawa, Tacuma, Tashana, her husband Austin Sims,

 Steven, Cynthia, her husband Nicholas Hill, Kanei, her husband Jesus

Collazo, Ginelle, Nicole, Haydon, Jennifer, her husband Kendall Fenner

• Great-grandchildren: Amani, Nazeem, Mylah, Nazir, Brianna, Kianna,

 Taylor, Jesus Jr., Josiah, Angelika, Jasiah, Nicholas II, Nathaniel, Bailey,

Lilly, Haydon III, D’Lani, Desiree, Ariyah, and Levi

• Great-great-grandson: Elias

• Niece and Nephews: Lawford, Ralph, Blanchie, Joanne, Winston,

George, Simon, Danny, Angie, Loney, Seymour, Gary, Kingsley,

Comrad, Lincoln, Howard, Clive, Ion, Rhonda, Bertram, Milton, Dawn,

Tanice, Faite

• In Laws: Shiela, Joy, and Carl Chambers

• Dear Friend and Companion: Roland Machia