Deita Avril Smith

Deita Avril Smith, 97, passed away peacefully in Summerfield, Florida, on March 2, 2026. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 15, 1928, to Alice Hylton, she lived a full life marked by grace, diligence, and deep devotion to those she loved. A beautiful, hardworking woman, Deita was a cherished mother, sister, daughter, and wife whose warmth touched everyone around her. She found joy in shopping, ceramics, bowling, sewing, crocheting, and cooking, yet nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Fred Smith of Summerfield, Florida; two sons, Martin Smith of Avondale, Arizona (Cherish) and Lenard Smith of Hornell, New York; two daughters, Lorice Smith of Avondale, Arizona, and Nicola Smith-DeFreitas of Peekskill, New York (Rohan); thirteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. Deita was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Hylton, her brother, Llyod Branch, her nephew, David Branch, and her grandson, Michael Smith.