Ophelia (Quarles) Smith

On October 18, 1932, Orage, Sr. and Maude Quarles welcomed their final baby girl to their large family. The newest little sister, affectionately nicknamed “Dudder”, was Ophelia. She was the last to join six sisters and two brothers.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Ophelia attended Douglass Elementary School and Ryan Middle School. She proudly graduated from Jack Yates High School. After four years, Ophelia received a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Texas Southern University.

Ophelia met and married Anuel Smith, Jr. and had three beautiful daughters- Rosalyn Lanette, Debra Ann, and Denise Renee. After years of being a stay-at-home mom, Ophelia began working in the Houston Independent School District, where she taught 1st and 2nd grade students at J.J. Rhoads Elementary school, retiring after 33 rewarding years of service. Her day was made each time she ran into a former student in Watkins Supermarket, a community staple.

After retirement, Ophelia enjoyed spending time with her beloved family, participating in the Jack Yates High School Fabulous Fifties Organization, catching up with a few of her closet friends (Vera Toland, Gustina Williams, Ms. Gloria FeFe, and Mildred Taylor). Ophelia also enjoyed collecting angels and antiques, which adorned her Sunnyside home. One of her favorite pastimes was taking a monthly bus trip to Louisiana’s Casinos (if you know, you know!). These trips funded a 501©3 non-profit organization run by her family and friends in honor of her late daughter Rosalyn’s infinite passion for giving (Rozzy Loved Sharing, Inc.) Being a lover of fashionable and shiny things, she enjoyed shopping for stylish clothes, hats, shoes, and fine jewelry. Ophelia also spent many years caring for her beloved dog and companion, Blue.

A few more of Ophelia’s favorite things include dancing to any kind of music, quoting her favorite bible scriptures, watching Game Show Network (specifically Steve Harvey on Family Feud), engaging in rhyme games (See ya later, Alligator), giving compliments to everyone she would encounter, and ordering her absolute favorite, a small caramel frappe with no whip from McDonald’s.

Ophelia’s Christian faith began as a child, growing up with her family in the church each Sunday. As an adult, she joined the newly formed Jones Memorial United Methodist Church. In her many years as a member of Jones, her service included being a dutiful member of the usher board, nominations committee member, secretary of the administrative council, and a youth coordinator. Ophelia was also a member of the Jones Memorial Area Senior group.

Ophelia Quarles Smith is preceded in death by both parents, her husband Anuel, her daughter Rosalyn, all of her siblings, and other family and friends. She leaves to mourn her daughters Debra Davis and Denise Powell (Jerome), granddaughter Krystal Davis, grandson Randal L. Davis II, grandson Jeremy Powell, great- grandson Bryce Davis, great-granddaughter Pyper Davis, and great- grandson Kortlandt Roberson (father Chancellor Roberson). Ophelia will be remembered by a host of loved ones, including nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, sisters-in-law, and church friends. She will also be missed by her caregivers who were like family.