Corris Eletrese Smith, affectionately known as Letrese, was born to Ella Joyce Smith on Jan. 24, 1958.
This is HERstory.
On June 13, 2022, the good Lord called her home after a long battle with breast cancer. She slept away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Durham, North Carolina, Letrese came to New Haven as a young child. She attended New Haven Public Schools, graduating from Wilbur Cross High School in 1976. During her time at Wilbur Cross, she was a part of the school’s Gospel Choir and Majorette team.
Many knew Letrese for her community involvement. She had a love and passion for music of all types. She performed with the Newhallville Community Choir under the direction of Willie Ray and Mother Smalls. For many years Letrese participated in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Love March organized by Reverend George Hampton Sr. of Shiloh Baptist Church.
Letrese never met a stranger. She cared deeply for the sick. She showed this through her employment as a dedicated team member of St. Raphael Hospital for 40 years, serving in various roles, including ER and pediatrics.
In 1995, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and lived cancer-free for the next 25 years. Despite her trial and tribulations, Letrese loved to celebrate life and lived to the fullest. She was a member of many organizations, including the CT Cowboys Fan Club, Loyalty is Everything Cowboys Fan Club, and Sister’s Journey. As a faithful member of Sister’s Journey, a support group for cancer survivors, she was featured in their 2003 Calendar of Hope. Although cancer returned in 2019, Letrese remained a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness, a loving soul, and a fierce fighter.
While Letrese lost her battle with cancer, her memory lives on.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Melody K. Smith; mother, Ella J. Smith; and sister, Dana J. Smith, all of New Haven. Her two brothers David A. Smith of Newington, and Marlano Smith Sr. of Atlanta. Two nieces Marlisha Smith of Los Angeles and Mallory Smith of Brooklyn, NY. Nephews Marlano Smith Jr. of San Diego, CA, and DeShawn Pittman of New Haven. Great uncle Frank Johnson Jr. of New Mexico; two great-nephews, Emarius Rollins and King Pittman; and a host of family and close friends.