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NORMAN WAYNE SMITH was born on September 9, 1946 to Melvin William Smith and Thelma Smith in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He grew up in Emory Grove and was educated in the Montgomery County Public Schools. Later, he completed his formal education by earning his Masters Degree in Health and Human Services from Lincoln University. He had a heart for helping others. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, he helped many overcome addictions to alcohol and substance abuse at the Montgomery County Correctional Center until he retired from there. He also worked at Mountain Manor in Gaithersburg, Maryland, New Beginnings at the Meadows in Crofton, Maryland, the Wells-Robertson House in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Avery Road treatment center in Rockville, MD and, as needed, he extended additional help through his Personal Counseling Service on a one-on-one basis. While serving as Deacons and Team Leaders for the River of Life Worship Center's Marriage and Counseling Team in Odenton, Maryland, Norman and his wife Candice helped to enrich many family relationships. Norman was a devoted sports enthusiast, beginning with community baseball, softball, tennis and even chess. His favorite football team was the Washington Commanders. At home, there was a TV in nearly every room, so he could see every play, even in the kitchen! Then there was GOLF-his newest sports interest! It brought him great satisfaction to sharpen his game and share those precious get-away times with family members and his dearest friends. With few words and maximum commitment, Norman served sincerely at whatever he did-whether grilling mouth-watering steaks at picnics in the hot sun or starting the cleanup process without ever being asked, which was a part of his servant spirit. With a heart to serve his country, Norman answered the call of his nation and proudly stepped up during the VietNam Conflict to serve in the United States Army, earning the National Defense Service Medal, and both the VietNam Service Medal and the VietNam Campaign Medal. With a heart for following through, he was a finisher. He was a man of very few words and, maybe, with that little flicker of a half-smile, Norman demonstrated his commitment as a "team player". Taking the lead, he showed his team players, family members and coworkers how to follow through until the job was done. As a wise money manager who perfected the skill of quiet composure, he remained alert at recognizing when to help others. He was known and respected for his generosity, but also was quick to caution others against misusing God's resources (even when he knew that God was using him as the resource). One of Norm's Favorite Songs was, "Dance With My Father by Luther VanDross" And he really enjoyed hand-dancing. Norman had two great loves during his lifetime. It was evident that God was Norman's first love, and as such, He led Norm to discover the loving wife who would be with him and walk with him for the rest of his life. It happened like this: While working as a Therapist at New Beginnings atthe Meadows in Crofton, Maryland, he noticed a "new girl" (Candice) had started working there. One day, as he was walking past her work area they suddenly "locked eyes"! Instantly, they each knew, "This is my forever love". Norman began to pursue her relentlessly until his "Ms. Can" could not deny this "forever love". "That is how our 'forever love' became the bedrock of our blended family". So l am beyond grateful for all the blessings God has given me from our blended family. We will continue to love much and protect always our beautiful intimate circle. Norman is predeceased by his parents: Melvin Smith, Sr. and Thelma Smith; his grandson, Allen Prather; his brothers, Carroll Scott, Gordon Contee, Melvin Smith, Jr., and Emerson Smith. Norman leaves to celebrate his promotion to glory: a loving and devoted wife of thirty-one years Candice Smith; daughters, Chevon Prather; Tanzania (Smith) Neal (husband- Ted), Shannon Guillaume (husband-George) and Amber Jones; sons, Jeremy Smith (wife: Dawn), Norman Smith, Jr. (wife: Darya) and Sean Jones; brothers, Lawrence Smith (wife: Patricia); and Ellis Smith; grandchildren, God in His goodness blessed Norman with 19 precious grandchildren. He also leaves a throng of relatives, as well as former coworkers and co-laborers in the Body of Christ to salute and bid him a fond farewell.

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Norman Wayne Smith Sr.

September 9, 1946 - August 5, 2024