Judan Smith-Cartwright

December 7, 1957 - March 2, 2016

Judan, Judy as we know her, was born December 7, 1957 to the late Rufus (Sr.) and Marion Smith. Educated in the Jersey City school system, she graduated from Dickerson High School in 1974. Judy began a very vigorous employment history right out of high school. Judy retired from Hudson County Government with 25 years of service. During this time, she worked as a CNA at Pollack Hospital, and then transferred to Hudson County Human Services as a clerk auditor. She also served as union steward and union delegate for Local 1199. She also worked various jobs at McDonalds, United States Postal Service, and as a security guard. Much to her joy, Judy became a mother on September 6, 1980 to a beautiful daughter, Ebony Katrina Smith. While working at the US Postal Service in 1990, she met her future husband, Roger V. Cartwright (Vann). They were married on October 10, 1992. To their joy, they cherish and love two special nieces, Courtney Wesley and Peggy Daniels. Vann and Judy really love their girls! Judy heart knew no bounds, which is why many cousins call her Aunt Judy or Mom instead of Cousin Judy. Judy began to slip from us and began her ascent to Glory on the morning March 2, 2016. Vann was overheard saying, “It was as if she just went to sleep”. To God be the Glory, we have another Angel to watch over us. We will celebrate her love, tenacity, beauty, and smile forever and ever, Amen. We will not be sad, for she is in a better place. When Jesus rose on the third day, He rose with the power of life and death in His hands. Only He has this power over all the earth and Heavens, and we are forever thankful for His Grace and Love. We are forever grateful for Judy, the memories, the love, the woman. Love you! Judy is preceded in death by: Her parents, Rufus (Sr.) and Marion Smith; her brothers Rufus Smith Jr. and Thomas G Smith, Sr.; her parents-in-law, Welton(Sr.) and Exie B Cartwright; a sister-in-law, Ruby L Reid; a nephew, Naquan C. Smith; nieces Chekesha J. Cartwright and Kenitra M. Lilly. We will all share in her memories. She leaves her husband, Roger V. Cartwright; daughters, Ebony and Peggy; a very special niece, Courtney Wesley; sisters, Doreen (Raymond) Viola Bermudez of Hoboken, NJ; Peggy (Derrick) McNair of Elizabeth, NJ; and Yvette Smith of Columbia, SC; brother Darrell Smith Brooklyn, MD; brother –in-laws Welton (Brenda) Cartwright, Jr. Irvington, NJ; Douglas (Lydia) Cartwright Belcamp, MD; Nathan Cartwright, Elizabeth City, NC; Tyrone (Shirley)Cartwright, Upper Marlboro, MD; sister-in-laws Donna Smith; Betty (Clyde) Lilly, Elizabeth City, NC; Gladys V. Cartwright, Chapel Hill, NC; and Deborah (Reginald) Smith, Fort Washington, MD; uncles Irvin Thomas; Augustus Goodson; Benson (Teresa) Cartwright; LC (Mae) Frazier; Earl Frazier; and Ben (?) Frazier; aunts Frances Miller, Doris Thomas, Clara Thomas, Marguerita Thomas, Rae Thomas; Dr. Gladys S. Cartwright-Burnette, Mother Dorothy L. Cartwright, Herise (Levi) Wilcox, Jessie Mae Green, Diane Alford, and Teresa McCall; great-aunt Emma Dean; and great-uncle Nathaniel Ruffin; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.