Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory - Oxon Hill

Cedar Hill Cemetery

                                       The Life & Legacy - Remembering Afrika

A beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, Afrika Mosi Uwimana Smith left this world, surrounded by family and friends at 4:40 p.m. on October 18, 2021.

Afrika fought a lengthy and courageous battle with colon cancer that ultimately took her life. 

She was born to Maisha (Serena) Evans & Barrington Aaron Smith on April 27, 1981 in Hopewell, Virginia.  Named after The Mother Land (Afrika) who is the First Born (Mosi) and the Daughter of the Most High God (Uwimana). 

Afrika attended Ujamaa Shule (School) up to the 8th grade.  During her time at Ujamaa, she was a dedicated participant in the Onipa Abusia's sixth Ye Goro Bra Rites of Passage for young girls on July 31,1994; she was in a class of 17 girls who bonded and shared a momentous experience of Akan culture and education.  Afrika attended School Without Walls High School (HS) and graduated with her HS degree in 1998.

Afrika, a natural nurturer, always aspired to be a nurse.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2019.  She aspired to change the Medical Field and bridge the gap between genuine compassion and efficiency.  Afrika spent 12 years with Capital Women’s Care where she began as an OB-GYN Certified Medical Assistant and prior to her departure was a Clinical Supervisor/Capital Women’s Care Divisional Electronic Medical Records Representative.  She departed Capital Women’s Care for a Radiology Technical Assistant position at John Hopkins University Hospital and remained with John Hopkins until her terminal illness .  Afrika touched many souls and was an everlasting influence on each patient she came into contact with.  She was highly respected and adored by doctors, managers, and coworkers alike.  

 

Afrika was blessed with a loving daughter Kiaya Ferreira and expecting her first granddaughter in late January 2022.

 

She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter (mentioned above).  Her Parents, Maisha (DeWayne) and Barrington (Jackie).  Her bonus Mother, Mercedes Ferreira.  Her bonus Daughter, Makinzie.  Her younger Brothers, Jelani Smith, Jahbari Smith (Tay), Asher Smith, Seth Smith, and Dimas Drullard.  Her Sisters, Tay Smith (Jahbari), Nakiia McLaurin (Sean) and Eleasah Banks (Dale).  Her Aunties, Audrey (Garfield), Julia, and Ria.  Her Uncles Anthony (Carol), Jesse III (Betsy), Larry (Reiko), Sean, and Jordan.  Her Cousins, who were all raised as brothers and sisters, Jay, Tammy, Toshie (Teon), and Javed (Courtney).  Her Cousins, Lindsay, Jason, Danielle, Jordan, Jaylen, and Jeremy.  Her Nieces, Sanaa, Teigan, Kiersten, and Dillyn.  And a host of loving family members and friends.

 

She was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandparents Edson and Estry.  Her Maternal Grandparents, Jesse and Della.  Her Aunt Pamela.  Her Uncle Anthony “Kat” Smith.  Her Brother Miguel Drullard.

 

Together Afrika and Gil “Wood” Freeman Jr. shared many years of a loving relationship.

 

“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”

Mother Afri like no other...


Friends are invited to Afrika's Celebration of Life at 10AM until the start of the service at 11AM on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. 

Please leave the family condolences by using the "Memory Wall" tab above. 

Afrika Smith

Afrika Smith

Afrika Smith Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Reception