Saphronia Smith

Guilderland Center- Saphronia Smith, was born in Fruitland Park Florida. She was the daughter of the late Early Bird and Amanda Smith.

Sophie attended Hopewell school. She was nicknamed Red, but everyone called her Sophie. She was a very gifted woman. She loved to knit, crochet and cook. She was great when it came to anything using her hands, she was self-taught. Sophie worked and fought for fair housing and equal rights for all people. She was a major activist in the community all of her adult life. Sophie was a very out spoken women and didn't bite her tongue. She received numerous accolades for her tireless efforts.

Sophie loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, some of whom she helped raise. She enjoyed listening to gospel music, attending church and serving the Lord. Sophie moved to Brooklyn, NY, where she met Andrew Wray, Sr., who had since passed away. She was mother to 5 beautiful children, Willie (Honey) Smith, Angie Branham, Andrew Wray, Jr., (Stephanie Wray), Ethan (Barbara) Wray, and Etta B. Wray. She was a very strong women and mother, and made sure her children were provided for.

Sophie leaves to mourn, four sisters, Geraldine Curry, Vera Mae McDaniel's, Betty Anne Wilson, Shirley Anne Primo, and Rosa Lee Howell; three brothers, Clarence (Gladys) Smith, Bishop Stanley (Ernestine) Smith, Elder Early Bird (Joan) Smith, Jr. Sophie has 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Sophie also has tons of nieces and nephews and many other family members. She also made many friends with the staff of Guilderland Nursing Home; Pastor Oscar and Judy Cash; the entire Anderson Baptist church family and a special friend, Tennie Brown of S.C.


A Tapestry completed
A Race well run
A Life filled with love
A Rest will earned
A Job well done


Calling hours will be held at New Comer Funerals & Cremations, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, New York on Friday July 7, 2017 from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Friday July 7, 2017 at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow the service at Albany Rural Cemetery, Albany.