Arabella Z Smith

Arabella Z. Smith passed away on November 4, 2023. She was 85 years old. She was born on February 23, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Willie Davis Sr. and Rosie Lee Davis. She was the youngest of five siblings, the last surviving sibling of Willie and Rosie’s children.

Arabella married James Smith Jr. and from that union came two children, Sharron L. Smith and James G. Smith (deceased)

Arabella was strong in her faith and had a passion for music. She began playing the piano at age nine and continued to learn and improve her skills over time. Arabella was very involved in the church as both a faithful member and a musician, and this is where she developed her expertise as a musician and became an independent music teacher and church musician teaching piano, organ, and keyboard to people of all ages and backgrounds. Over the years she became a certified member of several organizations including The Ohio Music Teachers Association, The Music Teachers National Association, The Keyboard Club, Wyoming Senior Club and MZBC Seasoned Saints. She worked as a musician and musical director for various churches in the Cincinnati area. She taught music theory classes, organized concerts for her students, and directed several choirs in the city, traveling and performing at conventions all over the country. She was a church musician for over 60 years and an independent music teacher for over 45 years. She was a renowned musician, musical director, and music teacher.

Arabella is survived by her daughter, Sharron L. Smith, and eight grandchildren: Sicily Duffy, Ronald Woods, Christopher Woods, Talisha Smith, Teraysa Smith, Jasmine Smith, James Smith, Kennan Smith, and Christen Figg. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Arabella Z Smith, please visit our Tribute Store.