On Friday, September 9, 2011, God, in His infinite Wisdom called to rest our beloved Lela P. Smith-Brown (Baby Doll), 66, of 972 Winchester Avenue, Hamden, CT.
She was born December 9, 1944 to Willie and Rose L. Stephenson in Greenville, NC. Lela attended and graduated from Wilbur Cross High School. Lela married the love of her life and best friend, Khalil Mahdi. They lived an exciting and glorious 25 years of marriage. Lela worked at Yale University, Phyllis Bodel Daycare Center, New Haven, CT as a Teacher’s Assistant for nine years. Lela was a person that was full of life, compassionate, loving, and possessed a gentle smile with warm laughter. Lela loved to read, spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. Lela was very family oriented and loved to cook for her family. Lela leaves a legacy of love for her family and friends. Those left to reminisce and cherish fond memories are her loving and devoted husband, Khalil Mahdi; 3 daughters, Regina Jackson (Isaiah) Darlington, SC, Denise Smith-Britton (Paul); and Delesha Payne Hamden, CT; 3 Grandsons, Gordon Watkins Jr. Devon Jackson, and LaShon Manuh; 1 sister, Louise Sharpe of Wilson, NC; 2 brothers, Johnny Fleming (Cheri) Forestville, Maryland and Jesse Fleming (Thedora) of Hinesville, GA; sister-in-law, Esther Smith and brother-in-law, Raymond Brown of New Haven, CT and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A celebration of Lela’s life will take place on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11AM at Agape Christian Center, 90 Goffe Street, New Haven, CT 06511 with calling hours at the church from 9 – 11AM. Interment will be in Hamden. To leave a message of comfort to the Smith-Brown family please visit our website www.hkhfuneralservices.com.
