Cecilia Smith

Cecilia Helen (Johnson) Smith passed away on August 21, 2025. Cecilia — “CJ” to her many friends — was born April 1, 1954, in Gaylord, Michigan. She attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and St. Mary’s Cathedral High School before earning her Associate of Commerce degree from Northwestern Michigan College.

From her very first job as an office assistant at Shell Oil, Cecilia built a remarkable career through determination, talent, and a gift for connecting with people. She rose steadily through bookkeeping and accounting roles, eventually becoming a highly respected software consultant — traveling across the country to help companies modernize their accounting systems. She took great pride in proving that with grit, skill, and heart, you can carve your own path to success.

In 1979, Cecilia married the love of her life, Louis “Louie” Smith. They shared a bond built on deep friendship, mutual respect, and laughter — Louie could always make her laugh like no one else. Together, they raised two sons, Bryan and Adam, and embraced life as an adventure. After “retirement” (which for them meant working as consultants), they crisscrossed the country, traveling from Shell job site to Shell job site, exploring new places, and making cherished memories with friends and family.

In 2016, Cecilia and Louie opened their hearts and home once again, adopting their two youngest grandchildren, Bryan Scott and Angela Rae. This “second round” of parenting brought both challenges and immeasurable joy, and Cecilia approached it with the same fierce love and dedication she had always given her family.

She will be remembered for her sharp mind, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Cecilia is survived by her children Bryan Travis (Behshad), Adam Joshua, Bryan Scott, and Angela Rae; stepson Stace; sisters Cindy and Sylvia; grandchildren Jasmine, Katie, Jett, and Aydin; and great-grandchildren Kayson and Knox. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Louis; her parents, Willard (Bill) and Bonita (Bonnie) Johnson; and her sister Patricia Coger.