Arezelle Williams Smith age 102, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 18, 2023. She was born on September 11, 1920, in Warren, Arkansas to Lonnie Williams and Ellie Powell Williams. In 1926, she moved with her family to St. Louis, Missouri where she spent most of her childhood. In 1960, she moved to Seattle, Washington, where she lived until her passing.

Arezelle graduated from Sumner High School in St. Louis. She also attended Stowe Teachers College in St. Louis where she earned a bachelor's degree in Education. Arezelle was a dedicated and lifelong educator who taught at several schools in St. Louis and Seattle, including Brighton, View Ridge, and Horace Mann. She was passionate about education and inspired many students throughout her career.

Throughout her life, Arezelle enjoyed many hobbies and activities. She was an accomplished bridge player, loved to bowl, and sing in the church choir and the Bayview Choir. She listened to big band jazz music, enjoyed dancing, walking, socializing with friends, and traveling the world to experience new places. She was a charter member of the Seattle Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and served as a member of various committees at Grace United Methodist Church in Seattle. Her faith was an important part of her life and gave her strength and comfort throughout her years.

In 1997, Arezelle moved to the Bayview Retirement Community, where she lived until her passing. She was involved in numerous activities and events within the community, and her kind spirit touched many lives.

Arezelle was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Louis Smith Sr., and her sisters Dorothy and Orie. She is survived by her son, Louis C. Smith of Atlanta, niece Sonja Hampton of Maryland, and grandchildren Shannon Smith, Kamaria Hightower, Jamila Merritt (Brent), Miles Holley-Smith, and Malik Holley. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Sekou Moriels, Myla Hightower, Harrisen Hightower, Amor Merritt, Joshua Holley, and Mylah Holley.

Arezelle will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to education and community service will live on forever.

A private celebration of life for family and close friends was held online Saturday, June 24th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scholarship fund at Grace United Methodist Church - 722 30th Ave S., Seattle 98144 or to the Bayview Foundation - 11 West Aloha St., Seattle 98119.

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