RUBIA LEE SMITH, daughter of the late Otis Clay and Mattie Lou Thornton, was born on May 5, 1938 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. She departed this life on November 23, 2020 after a brief illness at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
Rubia received a primary education in the Mecklenburg County, Virginia School System. After moving to Baltimore, Maryland in the early 1950’s, she met and married Willie Smith. That union ended in separation in the mid 1980’s. A new union was formed with her domestic partner Walter C. Boone, who remained by her side until her untimely death, along with her devoted daughter Mattie Clay and her devoted granddaughter, Sherrell L. Smith.
She worked as a housekeeper for private families for forty plus years. She was known for making a mean banana pudding and some really good potato salad, and so many other good meals. She was always willing to feed and help others when in need. She proudly supported her family and friends emotionally, financially and physically. You could always depend on her.
Rubia leaves to cherish her memory: domestic partner, Walter C. Beane; one daughter, Mattie Clay; two sons, Kenneth Smith Sr. and Victor Smith Sr.; granddaughter she raised, Sherrell l. Smith; one sister, Blanche Carrington; one sister-in-law, Lucille Clay; one brother-in-law, Arthur Smith; a number of other grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Rubia Smith, please visit our floral store.