The journey of a true love story between mother and son ended on Jan. 21, with the passing of Sybil Teresa Smith, the dear, wonderful parent of legendary, Award-winning Guyanese fashion designer Roger Gary. She was 98.
On Jan. 28, a frigid day in Brooklyn, Smith was honored with a warm going-home communion service at St. Francis of Assisi-St. Blaise, 1081 Nostrand Ave. Family and friends gathered as Reverend FR Thomas F. Massarotti preached about the exceptional life she lived and the lasting legacy she left behind.
The heartwarming honor for a compassionate woman was celebrated with a Liturgy of the Word, a reading of Wisdom by Chelsea Sinclair, and a Responsorial Psalm 27 – The Lord is My Light, Reading of Psalm 23, by Jaden Smith-Harper. Additionally, the Lord’s Prayer was read for Smith, whose life was a testament to love across generations.
The sermon spoke of Smith’s eternal life and a blessed soul. It included the singing of hymns: The King of Love, Hail Mary Full of Grace, and One Eagle’s Wings.
Allison Harewood presented the Eulogy of Life Tribute.
The pretty lady lived a long, beautiful life filled with grace, joy, and love. She had a bright spirit and a calm presence. She had style and shared kindness. She put people at ease. As a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, and friend, Smith gave generously of herself and exuded warmth. Everyone she met loved her.
Teresa, affectionately called Teresa, was celebrated as a woman full of joy and unmistakable elegance. At all times, she had her son’s attention. The two were inseparable. They took long walks together, sat in the park, and enjoyed the joys of a haircut or being glammed with her favorite ‘red’ lipstick. The two captured the attention of hundreds, who were enthralled with the loving bond they shared.
Born in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region 2 in Guyana to Manoel Freitas Dos Santos and Maria Freitas Dos Santos (nee Culpepper), Smith carried a deep sense of family, faith, and resilience from an early age, which shaped the life she went on to build.
Ralph Orlando Smith (deceased), husband, and Teresa, were devoted parents to Roger, Terence, Brian, Zandra, and Michael. During their upbringing, their mother shared love and was fiercely supportive.
Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Miguel, Manuel, Marcia, Stacy, Quincy, Sharon, Amanda, Alyssa, Aleeyah, Rashid, Nadia, Lyla, Alexandra, Gavin Jr., and Arianna. She will also be missed by her great-grandchildren, Layla and Stephani, daughters-in-law, many nieces and Nephews, and several lifelong friends.
Theresa, who was very smart, witty, and jovial, leaves behind a family forever shaped by her strength, laughter, and love. May she rest in eternal peace, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
“The family of Sybil Teresa Smith extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many family members and friends who leaned in with love, prayers, and support during this time,” said the family.
“ Your kindness, presence, and thoughtful gestures have been a true comfort as we celebrate Teresa’s life and honor her beautiful legacy,” said Roger Gary.
