Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Merle E. Smith-Matthias on Jan. 29, 2026, at the age of 67.
She is preceded in death by: Father, Austin Smith Sr., Mother, Jewel Powell Stepfather, Winston Powell, Brother, Austin Smith Jr.
She is survived by her:
Brothers: Franklin Smith, Alston Smith, Charles Smith, Brian Smith, Wade N. Smith, Kafar Smith
Sisters: Beverly Hendricks, Marilyn Francis, Beverlie Smith-Baron, Brenda Smith-Grupee, Shakira Smith-Isom, Morvel Vanterpool, Winifred Powell, Jewel Powell II
Ex-Husband: Douglas Matthias
Adopted Children: Maxine David, Maximus David
Sisters-in-Law: Charmaine Burton-Smith, Marlita Hickson-Smith, Betty Smith, Luz Melendez-Smith, Lydia Smith
Brothers-in-Law: Edwin Hendricks Sr., Clyde Vanterpool Sr., Aaron Baron
Aunt: Beatrice Stephens-Dalmida
Nephews: Edwin Hendricks Jr., Franklin Smith Jr., Kenneth Francis Jr., Charles Smith Jr., Leon Smith, Kevin Smith, Caleel Smith, Jevon Brooks, Alberic Brooks, Jmoi Powell, Navarrone Paigai, Degupea Francis Grupee, William Smith, Christopher Smith
Nieces: Desiree Hendricks-Burghart, Sherece Smith-Severino, Nichelle Smith, Latoya Smith, Kenya Francis, Latisha Mosby, Latanya Smith, Jennifer Sustaire, Chanice Smith, Luz-Marie Smith, Amber Smith, GéLeah Browne, Nicole Dalmida, Natalie Dalmida, Cheyenne Vanterpool, Z’nea Turnbull, Nicole Walters, Danielle Cranston, Suri Isom
Great-Nephews: Kaheem Walters, Doug Walters Jr., Jalen Mosby, Marcus Norford Jr., Kevin Smith Jr., Ke’Tarri Smith, Charles Smith III, Ki’Andre Smith, Seiba Joseph Jr., Khoi Frett Kaylan George, Donte Smith, Dayen D. Smith-Webster, Ciario Vasquez, Shannon Barry Jr. Amari Brooks, J’Siah Brooks, Joel Brooks, Ziare Evans, Ky’Od Walters, Kylan DeCastro
Great-Nieces: Isabella Francis, Kalleigh Smith, Ariyah Brooks, Laniyah Brooks, Alexis Barry, A’janique Barry, Shaii Clendinen, Keilah Brooks, K’Ziah Brooks, T’soleah Powell Zemira Powell, Jeweliana Powell, Neveah Penn, Naiya Harris, Joia-Alexis Cranston
Godsister: Lorraine Sprauve
Godchild: Angelic Ramnarine
Adopted Grandchild: Chilah David
Special Pet Nephew: Kreed Powell
Special Cousins: Barbara Dalmida-Thompson, Justin Dalmida
Special Friends: Ms. Jane Johannes and Family, Jane and Sunnilal Ramnarine, Pastor Alva, Sharron, Sharona and Alvaughn Stevens, Muriel Callwood, the Kuffmans of North Carolina, Beth of North Carolina, the Gray Family, Geneva Paris
Special Families: the Smith Family, the Powell Family, the Stevens/Stephens Family, the Harley Family, the Christians Family … and many more relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend first viewing on Thursday, Feb. 26, at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, at Calvary Baptist Church – St. John, USVI. Viewing begins at 9:30 a.m. with service to follow at 10:30am. Interment: Calabash Boom Cemetery, St. John, USVI.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
