Edna Smith, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and community leader, was born November 26, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loved ones.
Edna was the daughter of Edna L. Armstrong and William Howard Brown Sr. and grew up in a home filled with music, nurtured by the sounds of her father’s Big Band. She married the late Delouis Barnes, later Albert Roberson Jr., and then Donald Smith.
Edna built a long and respected career in health care administration, contributing to published medical research literature through partnerships with distinguished physicians within the departments of Anesthesiology and Plastic Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center. She was known for her meticulous work, quiet competence, and dedication to helping others.
Beyond her professional life, Edna loved quilting and cooking, bringing warmth and creativity to every gathering. She served as a leader on her local election commission, an Eastern Star (Bathsheba Chapter No. 9), and was an active member of the Red Hat Society, honored as Queen Mum of her chapter.
Her bright spirit and tenacity lifted those around her and offered a familiar comfort. She is survived by her sister, Freda L. Moulden, as well as her children Carolyn (Lee) Miles, Gregory Barnes, Derrick Barnes, Sandra Williams, Lisa (Richard) Burbank, and Albert (Shawniqua) Roberson.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, William Howard Brown Jr., Wilma Smith, Willard E. Brown, and Donald Brown. Her legacy lives on through several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, full of her light and love.
This obituary was published by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home – Nashville Chapel.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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