Norma Suzette Smith

Norma Suzette Smith, affectionately known as Sue, first touched the world with her beautiful light on October 25, 1950. She was born in Martinez California to Climmon Peterson and Norma Bush. Sue was named after her mother, but she was determined to pave her own path. She grew up in Richmond California the oldest of eight siblings. Sue had the gift of gab and would drive her mother crazy talking to everyone she could when they went out shopping. If you knew Sue, then you know this skill set would serve her well throughout her life. 

When she was just 14 years-old, she and Gerald Richardson welcomed their baby girl, Melody Richardson into the world. Committed to paving a new path for their bloodline, Sue and Gerald both graduated high school while navigating early parenthood. Sue graduated from JFK High School in Richmond California in 1968. Sue and Gerald were married for four-years before they decided to go their separate ways. 

Not long after, Sue decided she needed a change of scenery. She took a leap of faith and moved to Seattle after the encouragement of her father. Living in Seattle, Sue went to business school during the day where she would eventually earn the distinguished award of “Who’s Who Among Students”. She also worked at her father’s janitorial business, “Neighborhood Maintenance Service” at night. 

For a while she lived with her father and some of her other siblings of which she was also the oldest, but eventually found an apartment in Seattle for her and Melody. Sue continued to work in business administration and would work herself up to serving as an Executive Assistant for many years. Sue met Bobby Brown when she was in her 20’s and they were married for three years.

After taking some time to focus on her relationship with God and joining Madison Temple Church, Sue was introduced to Robert Smith—a handsome God-fearing man who had joined a neighboring church. Robert was drawn to Sue’s beauty, but more deeply to her strong convictions in her lord and savior Jesus Christ. Robert was certain about Sue and after dating for a year they were married on October 2, 1982. They welcomed their first child together and their only son, Josiah on August 24, 1984. They tried for several years before they had their second child together, Jayna on October 22, 1990. They were blessed with one more child just a year and a half later, another baby girl, Jervon on March 30, 1992. 

Robert and Sue joined New Covenant Christian Center where they raised their three children and served on the leadership team for years. Their home became a place for family and friends to gather, and a haven for several relatives and friends that needed help getting on their feet. Robert and Sue each wanted to break generational curses and give their kids opportunities and experiences they never had. Robert and Sue were married for 21-years before they divorced in 2001. 

Newly single and in need of a career shift, at the age of 52, Sue fearlessly decided to go back to school so she could become a Chemical Dependency Counselor. She graduated with honors from Seattle Central Community College in 2004 with an A.S. in Chemical Dependency Counseling and an A.A. Degree. She would work the rest of her career as a Chemical Dependency Counselor serving youth and adults with co-occurring mental health and drug and alcohol addiction. This work was deeply close to Sue, and just like she did in all aspects of her life she led her work, with her full heart. 

After a few years apart. Sue and Robert’s love brought them back together and they remarried in 2004. This time around they didn’t stay married very long, but they continued to return to one another as the years passed. 

Sue had a passion and heart for family. She lived her life overcoming challenges and obstacles so the generations to come could “take it to the next level.” Sue was a fighter, and she instilled that resilience and strength in her kids. She always said they were her greatest accomplishment. She spent her last years living with her daughter Melody, and spending time with her close loved ones. She never encountered a fight she backed down from and she will continue to live triumphantly through the legacy she has built. 

She was preceded in death by her mother Norma George, father Climmon Peterson, brother Reggie Brown, and three other siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Melody Richardson, her son, Josiah (Spouse Dana) Rocksmith, and daughters Jayna Smith and Jervon (Spouse Pradis) Andrews. Grandsons Noah and LeAndre (Spouse Ra’Jeanna), and Asheer Andrews. She is also survived by her granddaughters Promise and Melody-Lee Andrews along with three great grandsons LaDrae, Langston and Mekhi. In addition, her remaining siblings, Elaine Pines, Derrick Brown (spouse Otena), Roderick Brown, Keith Brown, Johnny George (spouse Angie), Kimberly Hunt (Spouse Lem), Sheryl Bufford and two other siblings/ along with her many nieces, nephews and all her close friends and loved ones who will continue the amazing legacy she created as a forerunner for her family and community.

In life and in death she is a survivor!

“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

-John 11:25-26

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