There are condolences waiting approval on SIDNEY's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of SIDNEY CLARENCE SMITH
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
SIDNEY.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for SIDNEY CLARENCE SMITH
Sidney Clarence Smith, was the only child born to the late Catherine Elizabeth Lynah Hayes on August 24, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised by his Mother and Father, Richard B. Hayes. The family moved to Washington, DC when Sidney was a baby. At a young age, he was baptized and attended Isle of Patmos Baptist Church in Washington, DC. He was educated in the DC Public School system and graduated in 1969 from Francis L. Cardozo Senior High School ... (aka) The School on the Hill.
Sidney was blessed with the gift to harmonize; blending his family and friends with his love for music. While attending high school, Sidney joined a local singing group ... the Summits. This was the beginning of his music career. Sidney was formally trained and received a degree in music from the Sewell Music Conservatory. Sidney quickly learned to play the guitar and piano by ear.
After the Summits, he joined Mystique, they opened for major R&B artists such as Al Green, The Manhattans, The Delfonics and The Whispers to name a few. They were favorites at many community events and were popular at the annual Unifest. Mystique even established their own record label. During this time, together with Betty Galloway, his first child, Sidney Jr. was born. In addition to helping Betty raise Sidney Jr., he dedicated himself to providing care for his sick mother.
In 1982, Sidney met and married Brandy Barton. From their union, Brandon and Shannon were born. Sidney was a loving and devoted husband and dedicated father, he always put his family first. Sidney and Brandy raised their children in Silver Spring, MD, where the family joined The People's Community Baptist Church where the children were baptized.
With his growing family, Sidney placed more focus on his professional sales and marketing career with Martin Wigand, Inc., TW Perry, and Galligher and Huguely Associates, Inc. where he was a lead sales executive for commercial developers and custom home builders.
Following a brief time, he was drawn back to his passion for music by his cousin who was like a brother, the late Andrew Jones who was instrumental in the development of Mystique and who introduced Sidney's smooth second tenor and baritone sound and excellent showmanship to the fabulous cover band, Mixed Company. Sidney sang lead vocals across all genres of music ... while most of us know Sidney for his excellent cover of Teddy and Luther to name a few, he really had fun doing country. Gospel cannot be omitted from his repertoire. Sidney was requested by local gospel groups to add his extensive range to choirs for special events and Christian fellowships.
Along with his unmatched compassion, he was a great communicator who knew when to just listen. His selfless spirit, strength, tenacity and love were such a blessing to all who knew him. Sid was also blessed with a great sense of humor. . . during gatherings with family and friends, he would have us laughing until it hurt with all of his many jokes.
Sidney's wisdom and love will be cherished and always in the hearts of Brandy Barton-Smith, his wife for 34 years. His sons, Sidney Clarence Smith, Jr. (Yolanda), Brandon Barton Smith (Kay) and his baby girl, Shannon Catherine Smith (Chuck). Eight grandchildren, Tahir, Sydney, Kayla, Amber, Charlie, Ceasar, Kylee and Blake. Sisters-in-law, Alice Clifton (Aubrey), Joanne Thomas (George), Patricia "Peaches" Prestwood and Inez "Cherry" Henry. Many loving nieces and nephews who meant so much to him, as well as a host of other family and friends. A devoted "Sister-Angel," Cecelia "Cil" Seibert Holley. Sidney also will be dearly missed by his extended family, Johnny, Valerie, Antonio and Tyrone.
