Obituary of Narissa Iris Smith

At the age of 89, Narissa Iris Smith, went to heaven upon seeing Jesus in the early morning of November 8th, with a smile on her face. Born on November 26th, 1931, she was a lifelong resident of Plainfield. Daughter to the late Lester B. and Allee Johnson. Narissa was affectionately known as “Nar” and attended the Plainfield Public School System. As a child music was very important to her family. She was always surrounded by different kinds of instruments and music genres. In high school, Narissa played Saxophone in the Plainfield Marching Band. She passed her love of music on to many of her family members.

On a cold December evening of 1949, Narissa married the love of her life, the late Clarence Otto Smith. Lifelong childhood friends, the two started a family shortly after.  Narissa was a homemaker and passionate about her family.

Heavily involved in the Westfield/Plainfield community, Narissa was very active. In Westfield she was a brownie and a girl scout leader of an all black troop and assisted her children with becoming involved as twirlers at the Westfield community center. In Plainfield, Narissa grew her community roots. A bus driver for children with special needs, member of the “Beautify Plainfield” committee, and later a poll worker. Narissa and her husband were also incredibly active members of the Plainfield Senior Citizen Center. Participating in fundraising, parades, float making, the memory club and much more.

An artist at heart, Narissa was an incredible professional painter who loved painting scenic oceanscapes and lighthouses. Frequently submitting her art into shows and winning many awards. Also a lover of clowns, Narissa collected figurines, pictures and attended conventions.

The holidays were when Narissa thrived. From her decorations, to delivering her neighbors homemade Stolen Bread and baking her famous rolls, she was the epitome of Holiday Cheer.

Along with her love of music was her passion to dance, whenever a song was playing. Whether it was a wedding, birthday, holiday or just a night at home, Narissa could be found on the dancefloor with her husband Clarence. We know that she is now dancing with him in Heaven.

 Narissa was predeceased by her husband, Clarence O. Smith, daughter Denise Smith- Jones and grandson Abdul Madyun. In addition to her parents, Lester B. and Allee Johnson, Narissa was predeceased by four sisters, Jacquelind Ballard, Julianne Smith, Rosalind Turner and Eugenia Morgan, sister in law Kay Johnson, as well as brothers Benjamin Johnson and Samuel Johnson.

To carry her memory, Narissa leaves a brother Lester B. Johnson, brother in law, David Coleman, sisters in laws, Marie Coleman, Ellen Smith, Mary Johnson and Helene Rowell. Her three daughters, Aaliyah Vanheusen and husband Chris, Charlotte Smith - Jones and husband Sean and Lisa Smith. 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Tuesday November 16, 2021 at Rose Of Sharon Community Church (825 West Seventh Street, Plainfield, NJ 07063). Viewing: 10am, Service: 11am, Interment to follow.