Daisey Beatrice “Peaches” Smith

Daisey Beatrice Smith, affectionately known as “Peaches” was born June 25, 1934 in Little Rock, Arkansas , the second child born to the union of Edgar and Cicely Jackson. Daisey was baptized at Taylor Chapel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas by Rev. Collins Lambert. She attended school at Taylor Chapel Christian School and resided in Pine Bluff or Little Rock, Arkansas the majority of her young life. Daisey worked as a Nurse’s Aide for over 18 years and enjoyed baking and cooking for friends and family. Those who knew Daisey well, knew she had a very caring and giving heart. Daisey met and married Dave Smith in 1976 and in 1984 they relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. In 1991 she moved to San Diego, California and in 1992 she joined Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Foxworth, Sr. She was a member of the Senior Mission and the Gospel Choir and served as president of the Altar Guild for 17 years from 1998 until the Lord called her home to rest. The highlight of each year was the annual concert featuring Sis. Toot Bell. On February 10th her daughter, Louvina called from Little Rock and spoke to her mom. She said, “Mom I’m coming, wait for me.” Daisey said, “I’ll wait for you.” On Sunday, February 14th at approximately 2:00 pm Louvina arrived at the hospital. She greeted her mom with “Hello Ms. Peaches” and Daisey responded, “Hello Ms. Lou.” At 4:25 p.m., Daisey took her last breath in the arms of her daughter, Louvina and surrounded by children, grandchildren and family friends. Daisey was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Cicely Jackson, her husband, Dave Smith, her only brother, O. T. Hayes, three of her thirteen children, Morris, Willis and Edward Sykes and two grandsons, Na’sr Shabazz and Ata Shabazz. Left to cherish her memory are 10 of her 13 children, Mary Jackson, Khaleelah Shabazz, and Kim (Joseph) DeMartino all of San Diego, California; Richard (Doris) Brown of Malvern, Arkansas; Herman (Ruthie) Brown of Spokane, Washington; Elizabeth Toney, Louvina (Randy) Johnson, Beverly Sykes and Michael Brown, all of Little Rock, Arkansas; Kelly Bernard (Krystal) Shelton of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; 33 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren, 32 great-great grandchildren – the last, a boy, Kayden Caery born on February 15th, the day after her passing. Others who will miss her presence are long time family and special friend Velma Thomas; and very special friend, Sis. Dorothy Clark. In spite of the fact that she had more than her fair share of children, she adopted many “God Children” including Lashundra Thomas, Marion Morris, Denise Chapman, Dora Gayden, Rachel Wooford, Angela Foxworth, Valarie Thompson, Dianne Greene, and Michael Hankins who will miss her very much. She also will be fondly remembered by other family members, neighbors, her Pilgrim Church Family and friends in California and Arkansas.