Obituary of Nelia Smith

Nelia Smith, 85, of Port Norris, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at her home under the care of hospice following an extended illness.

Born in Marion Station, MD to the late Noah Beachaump and Ethel Turpin Beachaump, she was the wife of the late Frederick E. Smith. After moving to NJ as a young child, Nelia had been a resident of Port Norris most of her life.

Prior to her retirement, Nelia had worked as a room attendant at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. She had also tended bar at the Marina Bar in Bivalve. Nelia was a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church in Port Norris where she sang on the Jubileers and Mass choirs. In her free time she enjoyed scratch off lottery tickets, cooking, dancing, watching game shows and soap operas, takling on the phone with friends and watching the children.

She is survived by; her brothers, James Beachaump of Pittsgrove and Milton Beachaump of Vineland.; a sister, Attrew Gross of Port Norris; a sister in law, Maggie Beachaump; four grandchildren, Kimberly Jones and her husband, Michael of Port Norris, Sherelle Santiago and her husband, Jose of Millville, Janell Fitchett and her husband, John, Jr. of Port Norris and Melvin Kent, Jr. and his wife, Jenn of Millville; 13 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and godchildren. She was preceded in death by; two sisters, Hattie Beachaump and Catherine Johnson; a brother, Noah Beachaump; a daughter, Beverly Diane Smith-Kent and a son-in-law, Melvin Kent, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, 2411 Memorial Ave. in Port Norris on Monday, May 8th at 11 AM . Interment will take place at Haleyville Methodist Cemetery in Commercial Twp. Friends will be received at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM to prior to the services. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.