2023 Smith Family Reunion Book

Kendra Jacobs Clerk to the County Board

21, 2023

Members Christian Dorsey Chair Libby Garvey Vice Chair

Welcome Smith Family Reunion!

Thank you for choosing to hold your special family celebration here in Arlington. As Chair of the Arlington County Board, I welcome each of you to your 2023 Family Reunion, July 21-23, in our beautiful Pentagon City neighborhood. Just across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital, Arlington offers you incomparable views, rich history and thriving neighborhoods.

You’ll discover in Arlington a unique combination of national history, local culture and unexpected fun. From treasured sights like Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), the Air Force Memorial and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, to our stunning skyline and walkable urban villages, Arlington truly has something for everyone. Arlington is also rich in African American history. From Freedman’s Village at Arlington National Cemetery to the historical Green Valley neighborhood and its bedrock churches, you’ll discover a powerful legacy that laid the foundation for the vibrant local communities you can experience today. We hope your family takes the time to enjoy our historic attractions, worldclass shopping, diverse dining, and incredible arts and entertainment.

While you’re here, please also take advantage of our helpful visitor information and services. When you’re out and about, you can access the StayArlington website at stayarlington.com for up-to-the-minute information on things to see and do in Arlington and Washington, D.C. For inperson service, you can visit our Mobile Visitors Center. In addition to a wide array of tourism brochures, you’ll be able to get personalized guidance for exploring the capital area. You’ll find the Mobile Visitors Center in Crystal City at 18th St. S. and S. Bell St. on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thank you very much again for choosing Arlington. We hope you have a wonderful reunion!

Warmest regards,

Christian Dorsey Chair, Arlington County Board

Takis Karantonis Matt de Ferranti Katie Cristol July

Dear Smith Family,

Warmest Greetings from the Organizing Committee! We hope this letter finds you all in good health and high spirits. We are thrilled to welcome you the long-awaited Smith Family Reunion, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome you to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC!

Washington, DC, known for its rich history and cultural significance, is the perfect backdrop for our family gathering. The DMV area, as it is affectionately called, holds a special place in the hearts of many as a symbol of strength, resilience, and progress. It serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit and achievements of our Black community, and it is only fitting that we come together here to celebrate our shared heritage and family ties.

The weekend's festivities will kick off on Friday night with a twilight bus tour of the city. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the nation's capital as we explore its iconic landmarks and learn about the historical events that have shaped our great nation.

On Saturday, we have a fun-filled day planned for the entire family. We'll start with a family picnic in one of the city's beautiful parks, where laughter, delicious food, and joyful conversations will fill the air. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with relatives near and far, share stories, and create lasting memories together.

As the sun sets, we will gather for our highly anticipated family banquet. It will be a night of celebration, love, and appreciation for our shared heritage. Let's dress in our finest attire and prepare to enjoy a sumptuous feast while reminiscing about our ancestors' triumphs and reflecting on the strength and unity that have carried our family through the years.

On Sunday morning, we invite you to join us for worship service at the Historic Alfred Street Baptist Church. As a family we’ll come together in prayer, gratitude and worship in the oldest African American church in Alexandria, VA. This time of spiritual reflection will help us ground ourselves, appreciate ou r blessings, and seek guidance for the future as we continue to build upon the legacy left by those who came before us.

In the afternoon, we have organized a trip to the esteemed National Museum of African American History and Culture. It is a treasure trove of our collective history, showcasing the remarkable contributions, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans throughout the years.

Let us come together as one, weaving the tapestry of our past, present, and future. May this weekend be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories that will warm our hearts for generations to come.

With love and anticipation,

Your Smith Family Reunion Committee

Meet Your Committee

Arlington, Virginia (240) 413-1054

Katy, Texas (281) 536-3108

New Orleans, Louisiana (504) 228-0657

Atlanta, Georgia (601) 953-5362

PRO TIP: Be sure to download WhatsApp (available on Android and Apple) to join the family group chat to get real-time updates and reminders on this weekend’s festivities.

2023 Smith family reunion

Stacy Johnson , Committee Chairwoman vickey Johnson

Myrtis franklin Patrice (smith) williams

WEEKEND ITINERARY

FRIDAY

3 PM – 6 PM

Family Meet and Greet, 14th Floor

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel DC - Crystal City

300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202

Saturday

11 AM – 3 PM

Family Picnic

Lake Accotink

7500 Accotink Park Road

Springfield, VA 22150

*Transportation scheduled to depart from the hotel beginning @10:15am

Sunday

7:30 AM

Family Church Service

(One Hour of Power)

Alfred Street Baptist Church

301 South Alfred Street

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Number: (703) 683-2222

M

Twilight DC Bus Tour

Group 1 departing from hotel at 6:30 PM

Group 2 departing from hotel at 8:30 PM

7 PM – 11 PM

(Semi)Formal Black & White Family Banquet

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel DC - Crystal City

300 Army Navy Drive

Arlington, VA 22202, US

*Photographs will start promptly at 7 PM

*Banquet dinner begins at 8 PM

10 AM – 12 NOON

Lunch

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel DC - Crystal City

300 Army Navy Drive

Arlington, VA 22202, US

(703) 416-4100

1 PM - UNTIL

National Museum of African American History and Culture

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

CREATION A MULTIGENERATIONAL SMITH FAMILY

BY FRANCINE PIERRE

So, God created man in his own image. The image of God created he, him, male, and female. God blessed them and said unto them, be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.

Raiford Smith was one of nine siblings born to Simon Smith and Martha Elinor Smith. Raiford Smith and his siblings were born in Foxworth, Mississippi.

Raiford later met and married Betsy Toney Smith. Their union consisted of eleven children and four half sisters from Raiford Smith. They all resided in Foxworth, Mississippi, which is just north of Columbia, Mississippi. It is also 20 miles north of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Their children were Maggie (who died at the age of 13 years old), Hurvey, Lena Smith, Sophie, Melisa, Alice, Rena, Sam, Martha and Mary (twins), Joseph and Mattie (twins), Ernest, Willie Mae, Woodrow, and Hezekiah (who died at 8 months old).

Life in Foxworth consisted of farming, tending animals, and livestock. During the late twenties (1925-1934) after the great depression era, the Smith family descendants left the country roads of Mississippi, settling in Bogalusa, Louisiana and Brooklyn, New York.

During the early years in Bogalusa (1928- 1967) life was better economically. The Smith multigenerational family became the backbone of the generation. Relatives traveled, gathered in the "hub", Bogalusa, and enjoyed each other reminiscing about the past life they shared in the country.

This life brought iconic adventures and ways to make a living.

Graduates galore!

ᐊ

Justin Wicker

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, Justin graduated from highschool. He attended Reedy High in Frisco, TX, and maintained a 3.83 GPA. Because of his determination, Justin graduated at 17 years old and will take a gap year. During the upcoming year, he will travel to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, take a trip overseas to South Africa, he will attend a local JC, and will work as a personal trainer at L.A. Fitness. He will apply to and attend an HBCU after his gap year ends.

ᐊ Aaliyah Hammond

Graduate of Birmingham Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Psychology in 2022. She is the daughter of Mark and Arnaz Hammond and the granddaughter of the late Esther and Lou Georgia Hammond.

ᐁ Keenan Parker

Graduate of Louisiana Tech Univ. with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Studies in 2022. He is the son of Karey and Yolanda Parker and the grandson of the late Esther and Lou Georgia Hammond.

ᐊ Narius Critchlow High School Graduate 2023

First born grandson of Sheila Mallard whom she loves very much! Hes a quiet young man. Very intelligent His father is Sheila’s first born son, Gregory Crichlow.

Graduates continued on the next page…

ᐃ

Recently graduated High School and is attending HBCU Tennessee State Univ. with a 3.9 gpa for her 1st year. She is an aspiring nurse.

Khadijah Al-Uqdah

BS in Criminal Justice, Southern University

Julius Horne Jr. Richland High School

Justin

Justin graduated with his Master’s degree from Univ. of Louisville. He is soon entering the PhD program, Temple University. Great grandson of Clarence and Leora Hammond

2023 Smith family reunion

ᐃ Sammy Mason Accepted to Arizona State University

ᐃ graduated from Norcross High School, May 2020

ᐃ Paul Duke Stem H GA, Experience Exhibition High School, May 2023.

Ava Williams Bachelors in Psychology, Cal State Univ. Dominguez

Danielle Ball Master’s in Professional Accounting, Colorado State University

Yazmine Al-Uqdah BA in Business Finance, Prairie View A&M University

Patrice (Smith) Williams Master of Healthcare Administration, Louisiana State University

Porter

BRAVO ON YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

years old Brooklyn became a junior debutante. eight-month experience, she learned more about our Black culture related to etiquette, ambassadorship, social impact, age-appropriate social skills, and poise and

Daughter of Kenneth Payton was a writer for Truth Be Told Lisa and her sister, Monique, attended the

ᐊ Darlene Hammond

Congratulations to Darlene who recently started a new daycare center, Kreative Mindz Learning Academy located at 34 Old Hickory Ave, Chalmette, LA 70043 Kreative Mindz Learning Academy is a top-tier childcare program that is dedicated to providing children with a safe and encouraging environment to grow and learn. They offer a variety of engaging activities to help children grow mentally, physically, and emotionally

ᐊ Stacy Johnson

Congratulations to Stacy who was selected by a national organization called the Church Initiative to share her grief journey in their newly updated content. It is through her willingness to be fully transparent, vulnerable and obedient, many will be comforted when processing the death of a loved one. Being featured with this comprehensive program called Grief Share, is truly a privilege, an honor and not anything she’s taken lightly. Her grief testimony has also been selected to be featured in the 2nd season of PureFlix’s, ‘Going Home”, due to be released in August 2023.

MARRIAGE, WEDDED BLISS, AND ANNIVERSARIES!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Williams

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, two became one! Patrice Smith married Mali Williams at Hotel Indigo in Athens, Georgia. Patrice and Mali were introduced by a mutual friend in January 2020, found love admidst the chaos of the pandemic, and got engaged on Thanksgiving Day 2021. They currently reside in Austell, GA with their dog, Jax.

Introducing

Mr. and Mrs. Udi & Baby James Udi ᐅ Michelle Robinson and Tom Udi tied the knot on Saturday, October 1, 2022 in Sharpsburg, Georgia. They also recently welcomed baby

ᐃ and Denise Martin

The Martins recently celebrated 25 years of wedded bliss!

ᐃ 10 Years for Monique and Ray Burrell

The Burrell’s recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Maui on October 13, 2022

lena mae TAYLOR is 97!

Lena Mae Taylor was born on November 10, 1925, and is soon to celebrate her 98th birthday!

She has 8 children, 23 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 12 great great grandchildren, making 5 generations

2023 Smith family reunion

Bernell ball JUST TURNED 87!

Bernell Ball was born on July 17, 1936, and she just recently celebrated her 87th birthday!

She has 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildern.

Kenneth payton is 75!

Kenneth “Kenny” Ray Payton celebrated his 75th birthday on May 9, 2023!

Kenny, the first son of Mattie (Smith) and Henry Payton, is the proud father of two daughters, Lisa and Monique. He adores all five of his grandchildren Kenny, Shianne, Senniah, Sammy, and papa’s baby, Sadie. He is retired and loves to engage in a round of golf while taking in the majestic mountain views of Phoenix, Arizona where he resides with his longtime love, Duku. For Kenny, family means the world – that includes his two sisters Sybil and Yaa Yaa and a host of nieces and nephews. Never far from his thoughts are his deceased parents and his sister Akosua and brother Ofori. Kenny was blessed to celebrate his 75th birthday this year and partied with family and friends while cruising the Caribbean.

Did You Know?: Kenny worked in the travel business his entire career, with jobs at TWA, American Express and Carlson Travel. He is still an avid traveler.

2023 Smith family reunion

OUR FAMILY PRAYER

BY JOHNNIE R. MARCH

Lord, we thank thee for all the love that has been given to us, for the love of family and friends, and above all, for your own love poured out upon us every moment of our lives in steadfast glory. Forgive the many times we have disappointed those who love us, have failed them, wearied them, and saddened them.

Failing them we have failed You, and hurting them we have wounded our Saviour who for love’s sake died for us. Lord, have mercy on us, and forgive.

You do not change nor vary.

Teach us Your own constancy in love, Your humility, selflessness, and generosity.

Look in pity on our small and tarnished loving: protect, foster, and strengthen it, that it may be less unworthy to be offered to You and to our children. O’Light of the world

Teach us how to love.

IN REMEMBERANCE

No matter what

You will always be with us.

When life separates us

We’ll know it is only your soul

Saying goodbye to your body

But your spirit will be with us always.

When we see birds chirping on a nearby branch, We will know it is you singing to us.

When a butterfly brushes gently by, so care free, We will know it is you assuring us you are free from pain. When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches our attention We will know it is you reminding us

To appreciate the simple things in life.

When the sun shining through the window awakens us

We will feel the warmth of your love.

When we hear the rain pitter patter against the window sill We will hear your words of wisdom

And will remember what you taught us so well

That without rain trees cannot grow

Without rain flowers cannot bloom

Without life’s challenges we cannot grow strong.

When we look out to the sea

We will think of your endless love for your family.

No matter where we are

Your spirit will be beside us

For we know that no matter what You will always be with us.

Smith family reunion

Rest in peace

Maeola Smiley Coleman

Sunrise: September 27, 1926

Sunset: April 3, 2022

Hugh and Lucy Jones

HUGH

Sunrise: December 18, 1944

Sunset: February 1, 2022

LUCY

Sunrise: April 24, 1953

Sunset: November 10, 2022

You may not be here anymore, but you're still in our hearts.

DRIVING WHILE BLACK

BY KAREY PARKER, SR.

1. Stop your car in a safe place and well lit area as quickly as possible

2. Turn off the car

3. Turn on internal lights

4. Open your window halfway

5. Place your hands on the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 positions

6. Upon request show driver's license, concealed carry license, registration, and proof of insurance (make sure to keep these items readily available)

7. Arguing with the officer is not necessary because you will receive a court date to voice your concerns

Gratitude and appreciation

On behalf of the 2023 DC Smith Family Reunion planning committee and our family, we’d like to pause and extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of our Sponsors, Friends, and Contributors. Our success is primarily due to your immeasurable time, talents, resources, patience and donations.

We’d like to also make a special thank you to the following people:

Arlington County Economic Development

Double Tree Hilton

Virginia Economic Development

Charles Frink Catering

Capture the Moment Photography

Nance Photography

Jass’d Up Events

Alfred Street Baptist Church

Bobby Croft Graphics

Kevin Johnson

Partran Transportation

Capture thee Moments

The families of Porter/Williams/Malone/Winfield/Stewart/ Smith

Thank you for everything!