Tomika Marie Smith

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 25, 2024, Tomika Marie Smith passed away peacefully with the love of her family and friends surrounding her. Born to Clifton Smith and Darlaine Watson on December 1, 1974, “Mesie” or “Mika,” as she was affectionately known, was her mother’s greatest joy and BFF.

Tomika attended Accomack County public schools graduating from Arcadia High school in 1992. She attended St. Paul University and graduated with her BA in business and later moved to Newport News, Virginia. She also attended Christopher Newport University graduating with a master’s degree in accounting in 2000. Tomika went on to earn a master’s degree in business management from Florida Institute of Technology. Tomika gained employment at the WHRO TV station in Norfolk, Virginia and worked there for 7 years as a program designer. Later, Tomika moved to Rockville, Maryland where she was employed at Arnold and Porter, one of the largest law firms in Washington, DC for 5 years as an accountant and advisor until her health began to fail and she moved home to live in Snow Hill, Maryland. Although she moved to Snow Hill, she never moved from the arms of her mother’s love.

Tomika gave her life to Christ and used to sing with the Stars of Wonder group with her mom and family. When she moved to Hampton, Virginia, she joined New Bethel Cathedral COGIC under the leadership of Bishop Melvin Austin. Tomika later joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Snow Hill, Maryland and became a faithful and dedicated (whatever you need) member. Tomika served as church financial secretary in charge of establishing church budgets, recording all financial transactions, and preparing quarterly reports and worked diligently with the building fund committee. She was also the church web-site designer and established and served as audio -video technician and drummer for the music ministry but would fill in wherever she was needed.

Tomika loved her church family and when her health permitted, you would find her there anytime. She had one of the most “infectious smiles ever and loved everybody. Yes, she was bossy at times, but also had some good advice to follow. Tomika loved beautiful clothes, purses, jewelry and high heel shoes to match and could she wear them! She loved to lay in the bed and order, order clothes and would laugh so hard when mom asked her when did you order this? She would say, “Ha ha, I can’t believe you missed something.” She was a picture of class and charm and would not leave that mirror until everything was just right. Tomika was a math whiz, and loved to hum, study the Bible, and quote scriptures and was a true mentor for anyone that asked. Tomika had so many appointments during a weeks’ time, and she would go looking for Bobby “Pop Pop,” she called him to fill him in on the schedule and he would say ok and that morning, in spite of it all she kept her spirits up and, she would say alright “Pop Pop” let’s ride. Sometimes she would say “we got 3 today,” he said I’m ready. Tomika had many hobbies that she enjoyed, especially anything to do with technology, cellphones, computers, videos, making cd’s, building programs, and reading. She earned the nickname digital media wizard. Most of the time if she couldn’t fix it, forget it and she would stay up all night until she got it. She loved late night phone calls and FaceTime with Uncle Jermaine at times when everyone else was asleep. He could make her laugh when she didn’t even feel like it.

Tomika was predeceased by her son, Jarhore; father, Clifton Smith; grandfathers, James Fedderman, Sr., and Clarence Payton; grandmothers, Clarissa Fedderman and Clarssie Smith; and nephew, Jeffrey Downing, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory and will be deeply missed by her mother, Darlaine (Bobby) Watson of Withams, VA; brother, Jeffrey Downing of Snow Hill, MD; sisters, La ‘Kesha Predeoux of Mappsville, VA, Nicole Brown of New Church, VA, Candy Byrd of Princess Anne, MD; aunts, Gloria Fedderman of Withams, VA, Della Broughton of New Church VA, and Eunice Smith of Washington, DC; uncles, Clarence Payton, Jr. of Parksley, VA and Dr. James Fedderman of Richmond, VA; nieces, Tierra Broughton, Ratyana Downing, and Ma’Chiya Downing; nephews, Terrence Brown, Isaiah Harmon, and Ta’Drion Miller; adopted parents, Pastor Joe Poe and First Lady Rebecca Poe; special sisters, and brothers, Tina Dorn, Markita Blake, Samika Jackson, Arvonia Heath, Angelo Heath, Bill Core, and Emily Massey; godsons, Kiyan Trader, Ter’Raj Jackson, and several other godchildren, and godsisters; special cousins, Ryshaun Trader, Loshaun Trader, Jaylen Fedderman, and Jordan Fedderman; a very special cousin, Harold “June” Drummond, that she loved dearly, and he spoiled her rotten; very special friend, Marcus Corbin; and a host of extended family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. There were so many exceptional caring family members, friends, nieces, and nephews that touched her life in some way or another.