Rena Cecile Smith, born on March 22, 1964, made an unforgettable mark on our lives.  We all have personality quirks and Mommy was no different;  however, there was no doubt her fierce, feisty and extremely honest delivery of words was painfully true yet always coming from a place of love.  Anyone who interacted with her knows you weren’t a waste of time as long as you didn’t waste her time. Her love for people is what allowed her to share her greatest gift ( the gift of time).  Throughout the years she volunteered at the Samaritan House, Sentara Hospital and with the Voting Registration Office.

That same love is what made her stay at her job for over two years as an Administrator working with the Federal Government helping veterans receive disability benefits.  Over the years, Rena received many certificates and diplomas from Tidewater Community College, Saint Leo University and other programs that brought her satisfaction.  But nothing felt better than helping “The Veterans”, as she liked to call them.

“Madré”, as affectionately coined by her son Drew, was always there for her children and their families.  Whether it was to provide a listening ear, doing a favor, or just cooking a meal; she was always there.  She had a heart to serve and offered to help or pray for everyone she came in contact with.  If you ever shared a need or situation with her, please believe she took it to God in prayer!  Her prayer wall was full of prayers on post-it notes for everyone, including herself.

Rena had so much love for her grandchildren; all eight of them meant the world to her!  She was always writing letters, buying books, sending cards, snacks and whatever else she saw in stores for them.  She took the herculean task of providing guidance for her grandchildren seriously, and operated with a spiritual wisdom when interacting with them.  Her grandchildren- D’Andre, Kamahria, Jayden, Shayla, Sean, Ashleigh, Emmory, and Joél, who better knew her as “Deese”, will cherish her memories and hold on to her love, always.

Our “Mommy”, “Mom”, “Madré, had such a big heart under her somewhat tough exterior and it was evident in the way she handled her family and friends.  She was still there for you whether you had a disagreement, worked her last nerve, or hadn’t spoken in a while.  You knew that if you needed her all you had to do was pick up the phone and if she was able to help, she likely would…however, you better appreciate it!  Anyone who was on her “list” would know.

Thank you to all of the family and friends that have helped us during this time.  Your calls, texts, and especially prayers have been elevating.  Please continue to pray for our family as her mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law move forward in life without her servitude and laughs.