Audrey Jean Smith was born on February 9, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Claud A. Smith, Sr. and Laura Harris Smith. She was the eldest of four children and held a special place in the family as their only daughter.

As a child, Audrey was diagnosed with polio. Rather than limit her, that early battle helped give her the strength, faith, and determination she would carry throughout her life.

Audrey received her early education in the Chicago Public School system and graduated from Crane Technical High School. Over the years, she made her home in both Chicago and Los Angeles, California.

A Life Rooted in Faith

Audrey Accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age. Her faith remained a steady foundation throughout her life. She was a beloved member of Spirit of Faith M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Pastor F.B. Henderson. Audrey served faithfully as a member of the choir and usher board, offering her time and her heart in service to God and her church family.

A Calling to Care for Others

Audrey spent many years working as a child care provider. It was work that suited her patient and steady nature. She enjoyed helping children learn, grow, and guiding them through the everyday milestones of childhood with care and consistency.

That same caring spirit showed up in the way Audrey loved animals. She especially loved dogs and birds, and over the years she made room in her home and heart for many of them. Her other passions included jazz music, old black and white films, and a good meal. Those who knew her, knew Audrey had a healthy appetite, especially when dessert was involved. Sweet potato pie was her all-time favorite.

Strength Through Every Season

In her later years, Audrey faced cancer with courage, perseverance, and faith. Her journey was not easy, but she continued to show the same quiet strength that had carried with her throughout her life. On August 31, 2026, Audrey peacefully transitioned from this earthly life. Though her family and friends grieve her passing, they give thanks for a life filled with love, purpose, service, and the lasting imprint she left on those who knew her.

Those Who Will Cherish Her Memory

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Claus, Sr. and Laura Smith; her brother, Jerome Edinburg; her nephew, Lavatis Wilson, Sr.; and three aunts, Callie Berry, Alice Hamilton, and Elizabeth Rhinehart.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted brothers, Roderick (Jeanette), Claude (Geraldine), and Donald (Lorri Ann); her nieces, Asley and Quintina; her nephews, Leonardo, Osibisa, and Shondale; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

The family also gratefully acknowledges Audrey’s devoted caregiver and friend, Janet Jackson, the staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the staff at The Pearl of Naperville and Downers Grove, Illinois, for the care shown to Audrey during her later years.

Audrey will be remembered for her faith, her resilience, her genital care of others, and the love she gave so freely. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her memory continue to bless all who knew and loved her.