Celeste Smith

Celeste Holmes was born on June 24, 1954 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Lillie Boatwright and Samuel Holmes. "Cece", as she was known by to family and friends alike, was raised with her siblings in the closeknit community of Rankin. In her youth she attended Emmanuel Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She was educated in the Rankin Public School System where she excelled academically graduating in 1972 as a member if the first class graduating from General Braddock High School. She began working in high school amd that work ethic would be the backdrop of her entire life. After graduating she went to work fulltime at the Jewish Home for the Aged as well as working part time at a number of other healthcare facilities. On June 28, 1980, she was united in marriage to Girard Smith. This union would produce one very special son, and the love of her life, Eric Girard Smith. She soon after returning to school attended Duff's Business Institute and graduating at the top of her class. In doing so she was offered immediate employment with UPMC. There she immersed herself in job and career. Her skills and ability were evident and she was a high performing and exemplary employee. During her long tenure with UPMC she made many good friends and they loved her, her infectious laugh, quick wit, and wicked sense of humor. Even with her health issues her job was always a priority and she worked up to within hours of her passing. By far the most important role that Celeste played was that of "mother". She was totally committed to her son, Eric and his health and well being. The leisure time that she had was spent on her computer, or watching old black and white movies. On Thursday, August 10, 2017 the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit to call Celeste Smith home. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Isaiah (Bo) and James (Woody) Holmes and Flossie Johnson. She leaves to honor and cherish her memory loving son, Eric G. Smith of Homestead, PA; sister, Beverly King of Swissvale, PA; brother, Sylvester (Rebecca) Holmes of San Diego, CA; 3 sisters-in-law: Jeanette Brown, Ardell Washington, aand Lorraine Thomas; nieces, nephews; other family and good friends too numerous to mention. To quote Celeste, she is now "Chillin' with my Homey"

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Celeste Smith

June 24, 1954 - August 10, 2017