Sarah Smith

Sarah Arline Smith, age 61, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away suddenly at her home on March 3, 2026. She was born on July 7, 1964, to the late Wash Smith of Detroit, Michigan, and Lonnie Beatrice Doolittle of Benton Harbor.

Sarah confessed Christ at a young age under the leadership of Reverend Murray at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, where she was raised and grounded in faith. A proud graduate of Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1985, Sarah continued her education at Lake Michigan College, where she earned her associate degree.

She spent much of her working life in the auto manufacturing industry, earning the respect of her colleagues for her strong work ethic, reliability, and steady presence. After taking early retirement, Sarah devoted herself fully to the care of her mother, providing medical, physical, and emotional support with remarkable patience, compassion, and love.

Family was at the center of Sarah’s life. She often said—and truly lived by—the belief that “Family Comes First.” These values guided her daily actions and her unwavering service to others. In her quiet and steadfast way, she offered comfort, practical help, and companionship to family and friends during their times of need.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving mother, Lonnie Beatrice Doolittle of Berrien Springs, Michigan; two brothers, Samuel of Niles, Michigan, and Barry Doolittle of Upper Michigan; and three great-aunts, Anna Brown of Chicago, Illinois, Georgia Morrow of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Larry Doolittle of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Sarah was preceded in death by her father, Wash Smith; her maternal grandparents, Samuel and Sarah Doolittle; her sister, Margo Doolittle; her aunts Sammie Perry, Dorothy Dortch, and Rose Walls; her uncle Arthur Doolittle; and her cousins Minnie “Sweetpea” Rayner and Jackie Riddick. Sarah will be remembered for her deep faith, her warm smile, and her unfailing devotion to family.

Those who knew her recall a woman who met life’s challenges with quiet strength and who made caring for others not just a responsibility, but a blessing.

A repass will be held at Israelite Missionary Baptist Church, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Sarah’s life.

“Family Comes First” — a legacy she lived and leaves behind.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarah Smith, please visit our floral store.