I met Ms. Smith through my participation in DePaul University's Black Student Union.  Initially I was a bit skeptical about the participation of someone my parent's age in our undergrad organization but her insight was invaluable and working with her taught me a lot.  I admired her for her willingness to share her skills and life experiences with us to provide perspective on issues we were facing.  She reminded me that we did not have to recreate the wheel, we could look to our elders for the examples they set for us to follow.  Ms. Smith was so supportive, so nurturing and so devoted to helping us succeed  To many of US she was "Voltaire's mom" to HER we were ALL HER CHILDREN.  She saw our potential and tried to bring the best out of us.  In the moment, I remember thinking she was overbearing, maybe too involved but looking back now, it appreciate her constant presence and the way she challenged me to achieve my potential especially on days when I wanted to take a break.  Seeing her commitment to our organization in addition to balancing her own responsibilities as a student and mother removed any excuse I could muster for not performing upto my capabilities.  I am extremely saddened to hear of her passing, fortunate to have known a women with such a beautiful spirit and will always carry a special place in my heart for her.

My condolences to her family, especially Voltaire who I knew personally as a comrade during undergrad

I remember the first time i meant Adelaide it was when our boys were in high school,id'e gone over to see who my son michael was hanging out with and to my satisfaction she was one of the nicest people id'e ever meet,and at the time she was in school here ,i'll never forget her positive attitude,and very soft spoken but yet firm.To her family be encouraged,be still in the lord,and know that there is no better place than to be in the master's care,worry not your hearts although we would rather she be here,she is safe in his arms.
 
 The family will be in our prayers  

I am going to remember Adelaide a lifetime. She was a gentle and quite lady; very soft spoken. We had a couple of classes together at Metropolitan College of New York early on. I had missed her and was sure if she stopped attending many had. I saw her again in class with as we finished our Master's in Media Management, Prof. Kristie Velasco's class, a hard but fair professional. It was then I learn the lady had a beautiful voice and was very accomplished. I never knew cause she never boasted, but lifted others. I didn't know until after our final days of classes seeing in Prof. Velasco office, we exchanged greetings. Later, Professor Velasco share with me her amazing story of struggles but she refused to stop or give in. 

She was amazing and I will also be inspired by her quite strength.