Essie Lee Smith

Essie Lee Smith was born on March 16, 1927 in Lillie Louisiana to Alston Williams Webster and Lula Evans, her mother died giving birth to her. She was raised by her step-mother Sarah Bell Webster. She met and married the love of her life, D.C. Smith Aug. 23, 1943 and the Smiths moved to San Diego, Ca. To this union they had 5 children, and a granddaughter that she raised from birth as her daughter. She joined Good Faith Baptist Church Under the Pastorship of Rev. Riley. She became a lifetime member of Mt Erie Baptist Church, she served in the choir. She was a devoted member, until her health wouldn't allow her to attend.

Essie worked and retired from White Sands of La Jolla after 27 years. Essie's favorite pass time was cooking, and she was good at it. If you were ever blessed with a chance to eat her cooking, you would know she was the best, her food would make you want to "eat your head off" as many would say. She took pleasure in everyone eating her food, and she always had a plate for anyone hungry. She was beautiful inside out with a classy style, she also had a big heart and we will miss her tremendously.

Essie was called home on Friday June 16, 2017 surrounded by her loved ones. Essie is preceded in death by her husband D.C. Smith , her son Arthur Lee Smith, her daughter Bessie Lee Bynes, her father Alston, mothers' Lula Evans and Sarah Webster, 15 brothers , 6 sisters, sister in-law Irene Island, Son In-law Jack, Grandson In-law Kuippo Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories her Son Herman Smith of San Diego, three Daughters Gloria Steptoe, Gwendolyn Simmons (John) of San Diego, Karen Martin of San Diego, three brothers Robert Earl, Caldwell, Wylie Webster all of Louisiana, one sister Rosa Simms of Las Vegas, Sister In-law Dorothy Smith of San Diego, 14 Grand Kids, Aaron, Derrick, LaShaun, Gail (Larry), Dayna, Artina (Michael), Charisse (Brian), Herman Jr. Keyona, Deandre, Shuanzay, Christopher(Deborah), Darryl (Ladonna), and Kevin, 40 Great-grand kids 10 of which she helped raise Jameelah, DeJakneeya, De'leonana, Demetruis, Del'metriana, Chanel, Camille, Rachel, Dre'shuan, and Darius plus an additional 30 more, 8 Great-great grand kids 3 of which she helped raise Ashleigh, Kuippo Jr., Alexyss, plus two special sons Marcus Hill, Bruce Martin, special nephew Donald Mosley, Two Special Friends Pearlene Johnson (Joe) , and Osephine Washington and a host of great nieces, and nephews.