Obituary for Marie Smalls (Robinson)
Marie Robinson Smalls was born on January 16, 1916 in Paiges Point, Beaufort County, South Carolina. She was the fifth child of her parents Isaac and Mary (Harris) Robinson.
The heartbeat of her life was her family. Marie and her late husband, Joseph Smalls, met in the Canaan Baptist Church yard, in Sheldon, South Carolina and they were married on March 29, 1935. They had a happy and blessed marriage until the death of her beloved Joseph in September 1986. Their union was blessed with six children (Isaac, Thomas, Joseph Jr., Patricia, Delores, Norma). Marie and Joseph migrated to White Plains, New York in 1936. They raised their children in the spiritual life of Calvary Baptist Church and Mt. Hope AME Zion Church, White Plains, New York.
As a member of the Robinson family, she is part of a strong and proud heritage. She and her siblings (Joanna, Lydia, Catherine, Delphine, Alec, Almetha) were born on “Robinson Hill”, land that was purchased and designated as heirs’ property by her grandfather Andrew (Christine) Robinson. She has been active in the preservation and history of the heirs property during her entire life. She loved and cherished her extended family. Mom, Granny, Aunt Marie, Cousin Marie was a founding member of the Northern Robinson Family Reunion Committee, established in 1977 and she served as treasurer for many years. Most important, she was the “unofficial -oral tradition – historian” of the family. Her knowledge and memory regarding people, places, and events was phenomenal and valuable about the extended Robinson family and the Paiges Point and Sheldon areas of her youth. As the matriarch of our family, she was a living witness to five generations of children, grands/great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
One of her most loved groups was the Canaan Baptist Church Committee of which she was a founding member and treasurer for many years. She maintained continuous and active participation through the life of the group. The “Canaan Committee” was special and dear to her heart because it was the group that “reached back” and supported the church where she was baptized and attended until she moved to White Plains and joined Calvary Baptist Church, circa 1938/1939.
At Calvary Baptist, Mother Marie Smalls, had continuous membership under all pastors beginning with Rev. Haywood D. Morris to the present pastor, Rev. E.L. Trollinger. She would always talk about her respect and love for the many years with Rev. Dr. Lester Cousin and affectionately tap the shoulder of Rev. Trollinger and let him know that he was “doing a good job”. At Calvary she was a founding member of the Gospel Chorus in 1954 and served as treasurer for many years. She served as a member of the Pulpit Aid and she attended Sunday School, taught Sunday School lessons and led Sunday School discussions. She also kept her daughters involved in the Baptist Training Union “BTU” of Calvary.
During her 86 years as a resident of White Plains, NY, she was involved in her church and community. She was a PTA mother for all of her children during their time in the White Plains School District. Our parents stressed the importance of education, and all 5 children completed a college degree. She was also a Den Mother for the Cub/Boy Scouts and an assistant Girl Scout Troop Leader for one of the first troops for Negro girls, in the 1940’s in Westchester County. As a result of her participation in church and community activities, she was given numerous awards and recognitions, Mother of the Year, outstanding community citizenship awards and recognition awards from Calvary Baptist Church, including the Women’s Day “Woman of the Year Award”. She was also recognized by the Central Hudson Baptist Association with the Calvary Baptist Church “Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year” award. A highlight of her 100th to 106th birthdays was receiving proclamations from the Mayor of White Plains, County Executive of Westchester County, New York State and local officials. Each year, on her birthday, the Westchester County Center Marquis displayed “Marie Smalls Day” for the City of White Plains.
An extraordinary woman, and a beautiful and extraordinary life!
“Thank God for the Blessing”
Our dearly beloved mother answered God’s call and the Angels carried her to heavenly rest on Friday, February 18, 2022. “Because the Angels came – no more grief or sorrow, no more suffering or pain, now there is everlasting peace because the Angels came.”
Always cherishing her memory are her children, Joseph Smalls, Jr. (Kayreitha), White Plains, NY; Delores V. Smalls, Westbury, NY; Dr. Norma Smalls-Mantey, (Samuel) Upper Marlboro, MD; grandchildren, Thomas K. Smalls, Deidra A. Smalls, Daryl J. Smalls, Dara S. Smalls, Adjoa R. Smalls-Mantey, MD, Lauren A. Smalls-Mantey, D.Eng., Joseph A. Smalls-Mantey, Brett I. Smalls, Bernadette Wooten; a legacy of love of 5 generations of grandchildren nieces, nephews, and cousins, extended family and friends. Predeceased: Beloved husband Joseph (1986) Thomas E. Smalls (Carol), son; Isaac Smalls (Ruth), son; Brock F. Smalls, grandson; Crystal Alhassan, granddaughter, Kevin M. Smalls, great grandson.
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ATTENTION: During the continuing COVID-19 crisis, as we slowly begin to phase back into small capacity public visitations/services, we need your help in limiting and controlling the number of people inside the church, so please govern yourself accordingly for the health & safety of all. Thank you so kindly!
A Visitation/Wake will be held on Mon. 2/28 from 10:00-11:00AM, though viewing will stop at 10:30AM for speaking & readings, with limited seating due to COVID restrictions, Funeral 11:00AM. But the church will be live-streaming the service on ZOOM, also available on our website the day of the service where it says WATCH WEBCAST, so you're able to view there/here also/instead. If trying to attend, you MUST PRE-REGISTER with the church IN ADVANCE so you're on their attendee list - copy & paste this link to register - https://forms.gle/83SgqLnhwrhpkiUX9 (or contact the church directly if additional assistance is needed). So you may come to the church to try to attend, with your masks on. At the very least you can get hand sanitizer & sign the register book (NOTE: please feel free to bring your own pen). If not at capacity, you will be allowed in to have a seat; but if at capacity by the time you get there, you may be required to leave the premises after signing register book, so as not to be in violation nor cause a health hazard, so please govern yourself accordingly. Regardless of if you're able to enter/be seated, or not, please refrain from touching/hugging/handshaking, ONLY elbow bumping briefly if at all. If instructed, PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY leave the building & premises if the church is at their capacity. PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY follow & abide by the directions of the funeral home staff and/or church or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the funeral home and/or church, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.
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The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Marie Smalls entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Smalls Family during their time of bereavement.
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Please leave written condolences now herein on the Memory Wall to express your sorrow, share your memories, and as an expression of sympathy & way to communicate with/offer comfort to the family, that they and others may see, and may be a lasting tribute in her honor, whether you're able to attend or not. Definitely Please SIGN IN on the Memory Wall as a virtual way of signing the register book, especially if choosing to stay safe/not able to sign in person.
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You MUST come to the church & cemetery wearing a mask, & wear a mask inside the church/social distance as much as possible at all times. You must use hand sanitizer upon entering the church. If you know you have a coronovirus/COVID-19; are sick/experiencing symptoms of coronovirus/COVID-19; are immuno-compromised and/or have health/other conditions that make your body more susceptible to illness, please do NOT attend any services nor come into the church. Please feel free to bring & use your own pen for signing the family's register book - you are encouraged to please BRING & use your own PEN for signing. Please follow & abide by the rules of the church, and directions of the funeral home staff, church and/or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the church and/or funeral home, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.
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In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly appreciates contributions be made in her name/memory/honor to the Women's Day Committee of Calvary Baptist Church (see church address information under Service Details). As a lasting tribute, you may also choose to plant a tree, and/or a contribution may be made in her name/memory/honor as indicated above. If sending flowers despite family request, they may be delivered either on Sunday February 27th, 2022 by/before 6:00PM to Lee's Funeral Home, or on Mon. Feb. 28th by/before 9:45AM to Calvary Baptist Church. The Family Thanks You!
The heartbeat of her life was her family. Marie and her late husband, Joseph Smalls, met in the Canaan Baptist Church yard, in Sheldon, South Carolina and they were married on March 29, 1935. They had a happy and blessed marriage until the death of her beloved Joseph in September 1986. Their union was blessed with six children (Isaac, Thomas, Joseph Jr., Patricia, Delores, Norma). Marie and Joseph migrated to White Plains, New York in 1936. They raised their children in the spiritual life of Calvary Baptist Church and Mt. Hope AME Zion Church, White Plains, New York.
As a member of the Robinson family, she is part of a strong and proud heritage. She and her siblings (Joanna, Lydia, Catherine, Delphine, Alec, Almetha) were born on “Robinson Hill”, land that was purchased and designated as heirs’ property by her grandfather Andrew (Christine) Robinson. She has been active in the preservation and history of the heirs property during her entire life. She loved and cherished her extended family. Mom, Granny, Aunt Marie, Cousin Marie was a founding member of the Northern Robinson Family Reunion Committee, established in 1977 and she served as treasurer for many years. Most important, she was the “unofficial -oral tradition – historian” of the family. Her knowledge and memory regarding people, places, and events was phenomenal and valuable about the extended Robinson family and the Paiges Point and Sheldon areas of her youth. As the matriarch of our family, she was a living witness to five generations of children, grands/great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
One of her most loved groups was the Canaan Baptist Church Committee of which she was a founding member and treasurer for many years. She maintained continuous and active participation through the life of the group. The “Canaan Committee” was special and dear to her heart because it was the group that “reached back” and supported the church where she was baptized and attended until she moved to White Plains and joined Calvary Baptist Church, circa 1938/1939.
At Calvary Baptist, Mother Marie Smalls, had continuous membership under all pastors beginning with Rev. Haywood D. Morris to the present pastor, Rev. E.L. Trollinger. She would always talk about her respect and love for the many years with Rev. Dr. Lester Cousin and affectionately tap the shoulder of Rev. Trollinger and let him know that he was “doing a good job”. At Calvary she was a founding member of the Gospel Chorus in 1954 and served as treasurer for many years. She served as a member of the Pulpit Aid and she attended Sunday School, taught Sunday School lessons and led Sunday School discussions. She also kept her daughters involved in the Baptist Training Union “BTU” of Calvary.
During her 86 years as a resident of White Plains, NY, she was involved in her church and community. She was a PTA mother for all of her children during their time in the White Plains School District. Our parents stressed the importance of education, and all 5 children completed a college degree. She was also a Den Mother for the Cub/Boy Scouts and an assistant Girl Scout Troop Leader for one of the first troops for Negro girls, in the 1940’s in Westchester County. As a result of her participation in church and community activities, she was given numerous awards and recognitions, Mother of the Year, outstanding community citizenship awards and recognition awards from Calvary Baptist Church, including the Women’s Day “Woman of the Year Award”. She was also recognized by the Central Hudson Baptist Association with the Calvary Baptist Church “Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year” award. A highlight of her 100th to 106th birthdays was receiving proclamations from the Mayor of White Plains, County Executive of Westchester County, New York State and local officials. Each year, on her birthday, the Westchester County Center Marquis displayed “Marie Smalls Day” for the City of White Plains.
An extraordinary woman, and a beautiful and extraordinary life!
“Thank God for the Blessing”
Our dearly beloved mother answered God’s call and the Angels carried her to heavenly rest on Friday, February 18, 2022. “Because the Angels came – no more grief or sorrow, no more suffering or pain, now there is everlasting peace because the Angels came.”
Always cherishing her memory are her children, Joseph Smalls, Jr. (Kayreitha), White Plains, NY; Delores V. Smalls, Westbury, NY; Dr. Norma Smalls-Mantey, (Samuel) Upper Marlboro, MD; grandchildren, Thomas K. Smalls, Deidra A. Smalls, Daryl J. Smalls, Dara S. Smalls, Adjoa R. Smalls-Mantey, MD, Lauren A. Smalls-Mantey, D.Eng., Joseph A. Smalls-Mantey, Brett I. Smalls, Bernadette Wooten; a legacy of love of 5 generations of grandchildren nieces, nephews, and cousins, extended family and friends. Predeceased: Beloved husband Joseph (1986) Thomas E. Smalls (Carol), son; Isaac Smalls (Ruth), son; Brock F. Smalls, grandson; Crystal Alhassan, granddaughter, Kevin M. Smalls, great grandson.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATTENTION: During the continuing COVID-19 crisis, as we slowly begin to phase back into small capacity public visitations/services, we need your help in limiting and controlling the number of people inside the church, so please govern yourself accordingly for the health & safety of all. Thank you so kindly!
A Visitation/Wake will be held on Mon. 2/28 from 10:00-11:00AM, though viewing will stop at 10:30AM for speaking & readings, with limited seating due to COVID restrictions, Funeral 11:00AM. But the church will be live-streaming the service on ZOOM, also available on our website the day of the service where it says WATCH WEBCAST, so you're able to view there/here also/instead. If trying to attend, you MUST PRE-REGISTER with the church IN ADVANCE so you're on their attendee list - copy & paste this link to register - https://forms.gle/83SgqLnhwrhpkiUX9 (or contact the church directly if additional assistance is needed). So you may come to the church to try to attend, with your masks on. At the very least you can get hand sanitizer & sign the register book (NOTE: please feel free to bring your own pen). If not at capacity, you will be allowed in to have a seat; but if at capacity by the time you get there, you may be required to leave the premises after signing register book, so as not to be in violation nor cause a health hazard, so please govern yourself accordingly. Regardless of if you're able to enter/be seated, or not, please refrain from touching/hugging/handshaking, ONLY elbow bumping briefly if at all. If instructed, PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY leave the building & premises if the church is at their capacity. PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY follow & abide by the directions of the funeral home staff and/or church or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the funeral home and/or church, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Marie Smalls entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Smalls Family during their time of bereavement.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please leave written condolences now herein on the Memory Wall to express your sorrow, share your memories, and as an expression of sympathy & way to communicate with/offer comfort to the family, that they and others may see, and may be a lasting tribute in her honor, whether you're able to attend or not. Definitely Please SIGN IN on the Memory Wall as a virtual way of signing the register book, especially if choosing to stay safe/not able to sign in person.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You MUST come to the church & cemetery wearing a mask, & wear a mask inside the church/social distance as much as possible at all times. You must use hand sanitizer upon entering the church. If you know you have a coronovirus/COVID-19; are sick/experiencing symptoms of coronovirus/COVID-19; are immuno-compromised and/or have health/other conditions that make your body more susceptible to illness, please do NOT attend any services nor come into the church. Please feel free to bring & use your own pen for signing the family's register book - you are encouraged to please BRING & use your own PEN for signing. Please follow & abide by the rules of the church, and directions of the funeral home staff, church and/or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the church and/or funeral home, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly appreciates contributions be made in her name/memory/honor to the Women's Day Committee of Calvary Baptist Church (see church address information under Service Details). As a lasting tribute, you may also choose to plant a tree, and/or a contribution may be made in her name/memory/honor as indicated above. If sending flowers despite family request, they may be delivered either on Sunday February 27th, 2022 by/before 6:00PM to Lee's Funeral Home, or on Mon. Feb. 28th by/before 9:45AM to Calvary Baptist Church. The Family Thanks You!