Terrie Jean Smith

Terrie was born July 25, 1956 in Kansas City, Kansas. Her family moved to Denver when she was a young girl. Terrie was the oldest of her two brothers, which brought about a challenge. Terrie was a protector, and she would challenge anyone who messed with her siblings, family or friends. Terrie was absolutely fearless. She received her education in the Denver Public Schools System.

Terrie was a member of Bethesda Temple Church before joining Ray of Hope Ministries, where she was baptized by Pastor Eric Cook.

Terrie loved playing card games, i.e., Spades, Pokeno, Dominoes and Bid Whist. She loved music, cooking and was considered by those who knew her as an excellent cook. She was often called on to make favorite family meals, cakes, casseroles, etc. for birthdays and special occasions.

Terrie worked for Pacific Environmental at Fitzsimons for over ten years and was promoted to supervisor. She was a very hard worker and she was compensated for her hard work. She was promoted to Project Manager at Schofield Barracks Army Base in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she worked for five years before she retired. Her retirement was bitter sweet, her employees did not want to see her leave, but Terrie was home sick and wanted to return to Denver, Colorado.

After returning to Denver, Terrie was faced with quite a few health challenges. She did not complain, but fully submerged herself in doing her community outreach, cooking special meals, helping family and friends, and caring for her aging parents.

Terrie devoted her spiritual gifts and talents to Ray of Hope Ministries. She was well known and loved throughout the homeless community. She was instrumental in cooking and serving over three to five hundred homeless people throughout the Denver/Aurora community on a monthly basis.

On July 1, 2017, Terrie married Rickey Smith. She and Rickey had known each other for over fifty years. They had a very special bond and really enjoyed each other's company. They also enjoyed working together with the homeless community. Terrie was very devoted and supportive of her sons Andre and Kedrick. She also had a loving relationship with her step-sisters, Gerri, Linda, Carlyne, and Wanda. She will be missed by her beloved friends Renee Brueland and Delta Loggins.

Terrie fought a good fight. On September 1, 2024, she departed this life at the age of 68 to be with her Lord and Savior. She is preceded in death by her biological father, Edward Johnson, her mother, Helen M. Baylor, her brothers; Michael and Kenneth Brown, her uncle Larry Dooley, her grandmother Ammie Davis (Big Mamma), granddaughter Kalynne Brown, nephew Eric Baylor, and her step-brother Paul Johnson. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Rickey Smith, her loving father Deacon Carl Baylor (who she affectionately called "Daddy"); her sons Andre (Tony) Brown and Kendrick Watts; aunt, Jackie Kelly and uncles, Gregory Bishop and Victor Walker (Linda); step-sisters, Gerri (Mario) Purvis, Linda (Dave) Cole, Carlyne (James) Marshall, and Wanda J. Wright of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a house of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7