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Obituary for KARLA M. SMITH
Karla Maria Smith, age 55, died in her sleep at her home in Lothian, Maryland on Monday, May 6, 2019. She was born on September 1, 1963 at Prince George's Hospital in Cheverly, Maryland to William Leroy Smith and Jeraline Mary Smith. After attending grade schools in Shady Side and Lothian, Maryland; Karla Smith graduated from Southern High School (Harwood, Maryland) in 1981. Her employment career included clerical and secretarial positions. She was employed by the Department of Justice for 12 years where she received awards. After retiring on disability, Karla spent her days traveling with her church and assisting with her mother's babysitting service. Her love towards children and others was apparent by her showering them with kind words, compassion, gifts, and patience.
Her gentle spirit was a strong and steady reminder that the storms of life will be easier to weather if you remain calm. Karla's number one passion in life was praising and thanking God. She was baptized at the age of 14 in 1977 at the "Church of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith" in TB, Maryland under the late Bishop Simmons. Later she became a member of the "First Church of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith" in Philadelphia, PA under Pastor Jennings. Up until her death she was a member of the "United Church of Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith", under Elder Collins in Easton Shore, Maryland. She loved to travel across the country to attend church services, bringing her treasured tambourine. Karla loved to sing and listen to gospel music. She was a member of the choir wherever she was a church member. Outside of worship, Karla busied herself with crocheting, knitting, and sewing. From afghans, hats, to pot holders; family members and customers was satisfied with her crafty projects. She took piano lessons at a young age, and was taught to play piano by Mrs. Battle. Baking was another skill she demonstrated with one of her favorite treats - the pound cake.
Karla Smith is survived by her parents; five brothers (Carlton Smith, Marvin Smith, Lonnie Smith, Adrian Smith, and Verdell Smith); one sister (Sherry Smith); and a half-brother (Tyrone Smith). She has five nephews (Tyler Smith, Achai Price, Adrian Smith Jr., Asa Smith, and Andrew Smith). She has eight nieces (Tiyesha Twiggs, Jessica Smith, Jasmine Smith, Jennifer Smith, Sade Smith, Kennedy Smith, Adanna Smith, and Anaya Price). Georgio Arevolo is her great-nephew. Karla is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Clarice Clark; three uncles, James Alvin Clark (Cynthia), Patrick Alan Clark (Maxine), and Ronald Clark. She is also survived by her maternal aunt, Jane Clark. She is also survived by t hree sisters-in-law: Shelia Smith, Jeannette Smith, and Marie Smith. Other survivors include great aunts and cousins. Karla Smith never married. Having a lifelong illness of epilepsy, she remained resilient in her faith. Her belief in God's Ability to heal did not waiver. Karla was knowledgeable in realizing that love was the best and wisest emotion to share. She will be greatly missed by a host of family, church members, and friends; but we are grateful for the time she was on this earth in our presence.
