Yvonne Marie (Joseph) Smith

Yvonne Marie Joseph was born November 10, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Dona Marie Joseph and Nolan Joseph SR (both deceased). She was the youngest of three children and the only girl. Yvonne had two older brothers Nolan Jr. (who preceded her in death), and her middle brother and best friend Leslie.

Yvonne graduated from John Hay High School. She also received a certification in secretarial administration. Yvonne retired after many years of being a supervisor of housekeeping at the Marriott Hotel downtown Key Center Cleveland, Ohio.

Yvonne married the love of her life Samuel F. Smith. Their union lasted for 54 years and produced four beautiful children: Michael Smith (Lucinda), Shawn Smith (Audrey), Liza Bridges (John), and Monique Valenzuela (Arnaldo). Yvonne also had three beautiful step children Samuel Jr. (Kathy), Wallace, and Sheila.

Yvonne was a talented, skilled, and accomplished artist. She loved music, and was also an excellent cook. She often combined these two loves. You would hear the sweet sounds of Motown, while she was mixing up her scrumptious flavors in the kitchen. Her Gumbo, dressing, and candied yams, were the talk of the town. Peoples mouths would water just thinking about her next succulent meal. She was an avid reader. She loved books, but she also loved a good tabloid. Her brother Leslie would always have the weekly National Enquirer ready for her. Not only did she love to read a good story, she loved to tell a good story as well. She was a great story teller, and loved to tell tales of her growing up with her two brothers, those were legendary.  Yvonne was a good listener and a good advisor, but most importantly she was an excellent mother.

Yvonne leaves to cherish in her memory her beloved cherished grandchildren: Francell, Aria, Destiny, Jaden, Vinicio, Selena, Maceo, and Isabella. She also had several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives, and friends. She was greatly loved and, forever she will be dearly missed.

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