Gracie Mae Smith
Gracie Mae Smith, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully in Ossining, N.Y., on May 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of ambition, unwavering faith, and love. Born on February 14, 1939, in Eastover, S.C., to Eva F. Robertson and Samuel Thomas, Gracie’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, service, and perseverance.
Around the age of 12, Gracie, along with her immediate and large extended family, moved to Peekskill, New York, where she would go on to build an inspiring life rooted in faith, service, and community. She attended Drum Hill (now Peekskill High School) where she was a member of many clubs including Junior Red Cross, Future Nurses Club, Honor Society, Girls Chorus, and the Ushers Guild.
After graduating, Gracie went on to earn her nursing degree from Pace University and after years of caring for those in need, she went back to college at the Fashion Institute of Technology earning a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design in the 1980s. A Registered Nurse by profession, Gracie dedicated over 40 years of care and excellence to Ruth Taylor and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Montrose, N.Y., before retiring in 2003.
Gracie’s personal life was as full as her professional and spiritual ones. In 1960, she married Orlando S. Gray and that union brought about three children: Dawn, Troy, and Brock. Several years later, she found love again with Benjamin Smith Sr., becoming a central figure in a large, blended family that included Ronald Smith, Patricia Smith, Benjamin Smith Jr., Linda Smith, and Mary Smith. Gracie was considered a pillar of her community and alongside her husband and children, she made a home on Cortlandt Street in Peekskill with her mother, Eva, just across the street among other extended family and friends throughout the years.
Gracie loved and believed in the power of the Lord, accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age. She was a devoted member of Park Street A.M.E. Zion Church in Peekskill, N.Y. — the first A.M.E. Zion church in the state and a stop along the historic Underground Railroad — where she actively served as a pianist and organist alongside her husband who served as a minister. Later, she became a cherished member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Albemarle, N.C, where her husband Benjamin Smith Sr. served as assistant pastor, and ultimately, she became a member of Word of Faith Cathedral and Shaw Temple located in her final home of Marietta, G.A.
Gracie was also a woman of many talents — a gifted pianist, quilter, seamstress, knitter, and crocheter — whose work was not only cherished by family and friends but also displayed at the New York State Capitol in tribute to Harriet Tubman and featured in the local press.
Her joy for life radiated in everything she did — from traveling the world (including Africa, Korea and Brazil, just to name a few) to her endless pursuit of knowledge and wellness. Even in retirement, Gracie remained active: she joined her local YMCA swim club, practiced yoga and tai chi with her great-grandsons, and shared fellowship with the Love Doves senior group at church. Since calling Marietta, G.A. home with her daughter, Dawn who lovingly cared for her, she enjoyed communing over brunch and traveling the world with the Ladies of Georgia.
She is preceded in death by her parents and stepfather Robert L. Robertson; siblings Samuel Thomas, Freddie “JaJa” Thomas, James “Jimmy” Thomas, Laura Thomas, and Donna Robertson; grandchildren Brock A. Gray Jr. and Janay Gray; and great-grandchild Makeyla-Abrie Michelle Gray.
Gracie’s strength, wisdom, and heart left a mark on everyone she met. She was humble yet brilliant, gentle yet strong, and endlessly giving of her time and love. Her influence is reflected in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — all of whom carry forward her legacy.
Gracie is survived by her brother Arthur David Robertson (Nancie); sisters-in-law Jessie Smith, Cynthia Thomas, and Akosua Asaramo, Lydia Jervis, Beatrice Jervis, very special cousins Estelle “Noonie” Jamison and Lila Bynum, children Dawn Gray, Troy Gray (Betti), Brock Gray (Rogena), Ronald Smith (Debbi), Patricia Smith, Benjamin Smith Jr. (Vickie), Linda Vogt (Terry), and Mary Smith; grandchildren Tashaun Gray Gorman (Tokobee), Monia Smith, Deron Gray (Lam), Ebony Smith, Naim Ephraim, Kris Smith, Tasia Gray, Nicole Gray, Shayla Vogt, Simone Vogt, Terry Vogt Jr., and Troi Gray; great-grandchildren Terrence Turner Jr., Miles Turner, Bria Kingwood, Brandon Kingwood, Azaraiyah Gray, Ase’An Tran-Gray, Day’An Tran-Gray, Alexander Tran, Saniya Ephraim, Laniece Ephraim, Nayael Ephraim, Mikal Ephraim, Jaleel Ephraim, Destiny Sarter, Ava Lee, Princeton Gooding, Mackenzie Bruff, Isaac Bruff, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, the Ladies of Georgia, and many dear friends.
Gracie Mae Smith’s light shone brightly in this world — and though she has passed on to be with her ancestors, her warmth, beauty, faith, determination, creativity, and love continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Curry & Giordano Funeral Home Inc. at 313 North James Street Peekskill, N.Y. 10566.
Another visitation will be held Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Park Street A.M.E. Zion Church at 1220 Park Street Peekskill, N.Y. 10566. Service will be held at the same location at 11 a.m.
(Sourced from Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Inc.)
