Lorris Hamilton Smellie

Lorice Hamilton Smellie otherwise called Aunty Herma or Mrs. Herma. Was born on July 4th 1946 in the district of Cheesfield St. Catherine, Jamaica W.I. She was the youngest of her siblings.

She grew up attending school in Chessfield and York Street, where she received the highest level of education.

From there she blossomed into a beautiful attractive and hard working young lady. She became an entrepreneur, travelling extensively and was very engaged in the retail industry.

After that aspect of her life, she migrated to the United States of America where she continued to work to better support and sustain her children Sharon, Daveroy, Charm, Brian, Steve and Rocal. And not mention the children in the community she accepted and considered her very own.

Grandma Herma was a woman of substance and character, a mother who nurtured and cared for the people around her and never complained. Her generosity and love for others went beyond measure. She would give her last especially to those that were in need.

Speaking of love and compassion. She loves her grandchildren extensively, if anything was said about them you would see another side of her. Or you would not hear the end of it. She had our backs. She was the true definition of a family woman and a praying mother. She was dedicated to her family.

Oftentimes as she was speaks of the good times with her pastor and brothers and sisters you could hear the love and joy dep in her heart. Being around her church family was everything to her.

Over the years grandma has experienced the goodness and the grace of God in hard times and she never gave up. Often timesshe would assure me Nicola, God sees all things, he knows all things and is an ever-present help; no matter what happens he is always with us.

In 2023 she had a major unexpected situation which led to major surgery and never fully regained her consciousness, health wise. This took us all by surprise. Grandma was a miracle, according to the doctors they could not understand, but she never doubted God; and so 6 months turned out to be 2 years and six months.

Even on her sick bed not saying anything to us, the staff at Long Island Jewish Medical Center would assure us, she talks, she cries out Hallelujah, Halleujah – giving thanks to God.

On 2 December 2025 we received a call that we were never prepared for – she had made a turn, not for the worst but a detour to see her heavenly Father. Her words to all of us, one sister, 2 brothers, 6 kids, 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, would be, “So, fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, there has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul."

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