Celebrating the Life and Legacy of First Lady Claudine Riley Smith: The Obituary

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of First Lady Claudine Riley Smith.Claudine Smith was born on October 20, 1958, in Northampton County, VA, to the late Elizabeth Riley and Burleigh Riley. Her late grandparents Maude and John Collins were also a staple of the village who helped raise her to be the woman we all knew and love. On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Shore Health and Rehabilitation Center in Parksley, VA, God summoned her from her earthly labor to eternal rest, welcoming her home to receive her golden crown in Heaven.

Claudine spent her entire life in Northampton County, VA—first in Cape Charles and later in Cheriton. She came to know the Lord at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Cape Charles. She attended Cape Charles Public Schools, graduating from Cape Charles High School in 1977.

Following graduation, she pursued higher education at Norfolk Business College, where she earned an associate’s degree in business administration. She began her professional career at WESR Radio Station, serving as News Director for several years. Later, she transitioned to a role that aligned with her heart for service—becoming the Area on Aging Coordinator for the Senior Citizens Program.

On November 22, 1980, Claudine joined in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Rev. Jeffery Lee Smith. Their union was blessed with two sons: Jeffery Smith Jr. and Justin Smith. She deeply cherished being a mother—lovingly referring to her sons as "her boys" no matter how grown or tall they became. Her nurturing, devotion, and unconditional love were evident in every moment she spent with them.

God was always the center of Claudine’s life. After many years of faithful membership at her home Church, she joined New Mount Calvary Baptist Church in the 1990s, following her husband's pastoral appointment. As First Lady, she found great joy in sharing her faith, fellowshipping with church members, and participating in various ministries. She especially loved working with the Youth Ministry, where she coordinated trips and mentored teens through the Young Voices for Better Choices program—a teen pregnancy prevention initiative. Claudine had a gift for bringing people together, often organizing outings to theme parks, shopping centers, and theaters. She also faithfully served in the Deaconess Ministry and Pastor’s Aide Ministry, always offering her time and talents generously.

Though Claudine found great joy in life, she also faced many health challenges with unwavering faith. She underwent numerous surgeries to remove brain tumors, each presenting new difficulties. Yet, with every test, her strength, confidence, and trust in God never wavered. Through His grace, she experienced many miraculous healings. On August 13, 2025, God called her to eternal healing in heaven—where there is no more pain, no more surgeries, and no more tests—only peace, rest, and reunion with her beloved parents.

Claudine leaves to cherish her memory: Her devoted husband of 44 years, Rev. Jeffery L. Smith of Cheriton, VA. Her loving sons: Jeffery Smith Jr. of Cheriton, VA, and Justin Smith (Malieka) of Machipongo, VA. A loving and devoted sister, Charlene Riley of Cape Charles, VA. Two aunts: Martha Lou Powell of Cheriton, VA, and Christine Upshur of Birdsnest, VA. One Uncle: John Collins (Deborah) of Fresh Meadows, NY. Her sister-in-law, Rev. Shirneda Simpkins (Henry), and brother-in-law, Ernest Smith (Antoinette), all of Cheriton, VA. Cousins who were like brothers: Roosevelt Powell Jr. of Beverly, NJ;Timothy Powell of Santa Maria, CA; and Wayne Powell of Randalls Town, MD. A host of cherished cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Her life was a testament to faith, strength, and love. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Sorrowfully Submitted,
The Family