MARGUERITE SCOTT SMITH (TREECE)

TROY - Marguerite Scott Smith (Treece), age 89, of Troy New York, wife of the late John F. “Frank” Treece, peacefully entered into her eternal reward surrounded and in the loving comfort and care of her family on April 10, 2018. Born and educated in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Hannibal and Estelle DeWitt Smith. After graduating from Troy High School, she eventually received her Associate’s Degree from Maria College, her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Russell Sage, and was a graduate of the first certified class of public health nurses from Hampton Institute in Virginia. For many years, she worked at Leonard and Samaritan Hospitals. Throughout her nursing career, she was employed by various governmental agencies in the Capital District Region. She retired from a dedicated career as a Public Health Nurse for NYSARC in Troy. She was the first Black nurse employed by Rensselaer County Department of Health. Marguerite was a devout Christian her entire life. She was raised at an early age in the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church in Troy and remained an active and prominent member until her passing. Her devotion to God and her Church, for nearly nine decades, include serving as Vice President of the Deaconess Board, a member of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, as a member and pianist for the choirs, and a co-leader of the Youth Choir. Marguerite was also a member of the New York State Nurses Association, the National Association of Black Nurses, the Order of the Eastern Star Mr. Moriah #75 in Troy and the Mystic Chapter #11 in Albany, the Shriner’s Al Tabari Court #28 in Albany and the Golden Circle Consistory #60 in Albany. In these organizations she served as Past Worthy Matron, Past Commandress, Past Loyal Lady Rule, and the Order of the Golden Circle. She worked tirelessly her entire life often holding two to three jobs at one time and yet she found time to serve her beloved community. Early in her life, she was involved with the NAACP tackling civil rights and fair housing issues. She worked tirelessly to diversify nursing by supporting young women of color interested in becoming a nurse. In addition to her immediate family, she especially loved being a mother to all. She was indeed the devoted mother of Hon. Randolph (Deborah) Treece, Stephen (Cindy) Treece, and Frederick Clayton Scott “Skip” (December) Treece; the dear sister of the late Harriet Wright, Lola Conti, and Laura Taylor; the cherished grandmother of Gloria Victoria Treece, Shani Treece, the late Charles John “Chuck” Treece, Frederick C.S. Treece, II, Tyrome Treece, Jarel Treece, James and Jared Daus; the adored great grandmother of Imani, Iesha, Canaan, Nzinga, Caileigh, Alana, Charles, Frederick, Brooklyn, Riley, Dominick, and Nora. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relative, and many close, loving, and spiritual friends. Calling hours are Sunday, April 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Monday, April 16, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Bethel Baptist Church, 2165 Fifth Avenue, Troy. A Going- Home Celebration will be held on April 16, 11:00 a.m., at Bethel Baptist Church. An internment at Memory Gardens to follow immediately after the Service, and a repast thereafter. In lieu of flowers, we encourage contributions to A.M.E. Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society. Sturges Funeral and Cremation Services (518) 432-7281