Marian Lee Smith

Marian Lee (Horsey) Smith peacefully took her rest on Sunday, May 4th, 2025. She was born and raised in Laurel, Delaware on February 19th, 1947 to the late William and Lucinda Horsey. Marian Lee was number seven of fourteen children; nine boys and five girls. She received her early education at Paul Laurence Dunbar School and attended Jason High School.

Marian later moved with her family to Wilmington, Delaware. She was a devoted homemaker over the years until she began working for the Wilmington Public School System. Marian also served as a child caregiver at various daycares. She was blessed to retire at the age of 50 to lovingly care for her granddaughter. In the years that followed, she lovingly cared for the children of many beloved family members and friends. Marian had a deep love for children and was devoted to providing them with a safe and nurturing environment.

Marian later resided in New Castle, Delaware and would love taking drives back home to Laurel to spend time with her extended family. In her spare time, you could find her snuggled up with a cup of black coffee, reading a good book, watching her favorite movie The Color Purple, or enjoying one of her favorite TV shows. She would get through tough times by listening to her favorite gospel song, “One Day At A Time” by Jay Caldwell.

Marian loved the Lord and her family and friends tremendously. One of her favorite things she enjoyed most was spending time with her grandchildren who lovingly called her "GRAN". She had an outgoing personality and her presence could light up any room. Marian never met a stranger and we all knew that any time you were with her, meant you were in for a good laugh. “Marilee” as she was affectionately known, would always end up with the microphone at every family function. She was the life of the party and especially LOVED telling a good old joke which would fill the room with laughter, love, and lasting memories.

During the holidays, you could find Marian baking her famous sweet potato pies. For Thanksgiving, she would bake over twenty pies, enough for everyone to receive their own personal pie! After a good family meal, she loved to gather everyone together to play games. She especially enjoyed playing board games and Bop-It was one of her favorites. It was those moments of laughter and the connection to family that meant everything to her. Hearing her laughter while telling jokes or playing games is a memory her loved ones will always treasure. Marian was also a collector of elephants which she had a deep love for. Her home was filled with elephant ceramics, figurines and other decorations. Each one was meaningful and a true reflection of her gentle strength. She was the glue that held the family together, creating traditions, memories, and a bond that will live on with us forever.

Marian was preceded in her heavenly ascension by her parents the late William and Lucinda Horsey. Her siblings George Bivens (Barbara), Elwood Horsey (Sadie), Roy Horsey (survived by Pearl) and Patricia Saez (Jose).

Marian’s memory will be lovingly cherished by her family: Her brothers William Horsey Jr. (preceded by Accola), Donald Horsey (Carolyn), Milton Horsey, Sr., Samuel Horsey (Melvina), Nathaniel Horsey and James Horsey (Norma). Her sisters Delores Horsey, Catherine Horsey and Elaine Parker.

Her children Antonio Smith Sr., Carla Box, Dwight Horsey, Monica Crosland (Thaddaeus Sr.), and Maureen Johnson. Her grandchildren Trevor Smith (Tondelia), Tanasha Crosland, Blake Smith, Ciara Smith, Chalese Smith, Jatonia Smith, Tiona Crosland, Johnesha Knight, Breshauna Johnson, Antonio Smith Jr., Thaddaeus Crosland Jr., bonus grandchildren Jamichelle Davis, Jamichael Mitchell, Ja-Vona Mitchell and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends who love her dearly.

There is peace in knowing that her eternal resting place is with the Lord. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the love she gave, the memories she leaves behind, and the legacy she built through faith, family, and unwavering strength. Marian’s light will continue to shine in all who knew and loved her. As God’s Word reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”. We rejoice in knowing that Marian has received her wings of glory and crown of righteousness and is now resting in the arms of the Lord our Savior Christ Jesus.

Lovingly submitted,

Her Family.