Tributes

Lisa Smith was born on May 8, 1983, to Willie Ray Smith and Gayle Lisa Wood. She departed this life on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Lisa was raised mainly in Pitt County, North Carolina, where she attended W.H. Coates Elementary School and graduated from J.H. Rose High School in 2000. Lisa had a deep love for writing poetry, reading, and dancing. She was passionate about learning and remained committed to her education throughout her life. In 2010, after relocating to Washington, D.C., she returned to college at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). During her time at UDC, she became a member of Beta Sigma Upsilon and, in the Spring of 2016, proudly became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Washington, D.C., became Lisa’s second home, where she built a meaningful career and dedicated herself to serving her community. She worked for the Washington Nationals and the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders). Lisa was also a passionate advocate for community outreach, volunteering and supporting initiatives such as Beat the Streets and the 9:30 Campaign, along with many other community events that reflected her heart for helping others. Lisa was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Alice Ruth Roundtree and Henry Bud Roundtree & Willie Smith & Betty Elizabeth Smith; aunt, Alice “Honey” Green (Richard); uncle, Warren C. Williams & her special relationship with her great uncle, Oscar “Bud” Stanley Jr & her fur animal, King Kole Lisa leaves to cherish her precious memory to her two beloved daughters, Aiyana Smith and Jordyn Williams; her loving parents, Gayle Wood and Willie Ray Smith; her devoted godparents, Virgil and Brenda Smith; her sisters and brothers, Darrell Smith, Miya Smith & Keitra Chance & God siblings; a host of nieces and nephews; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins; and countless friends whose lives were forever touched by her love, kindness, and beautiful spirit. Lisa’s legacy of strength, compassion, service, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Tributes

Ms. Lisa Shonette Smith

May 8, 1983 - July 16, 2026