Erica Nicole Smith

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent a flower piece; If so, we saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, that any friend could say.

Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts,

We thank you so much - Whatever the part...

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting for donations to be made directly to Giddens Memorial Chapel towards the services of Erica Nicole Smith: https://www.giddensmemorialchapel.com/resources/make-a-payment

Erica Nicole Smith was born July 27, 1981; to the late Wayne Smith Sr. and Isabella Lee-Smith in Chicago Illinois. Erica was the middle child to the union, and the only daughter. Erica loved her position as the only daughter and used her charm, sassiness, and femininity to capture the hearts of her entire household, including her parents, eldest brother Martice, and especially her younger brother, Wayne Jr.   

Erica was introduced to God at an early age, and spent her younger years attending and serving at the Apostolic Church of God and the Apostolic House of Prayer, both of which are located in Chicago, Illinois. Erica not only attended church, but served in several capacities. She was baptized in Jesus Name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at an early age. While we are already missing Erica in this world, we are comforted knowing that she is safe in the arms of her heavenly father.

Erica began her education in the Chicago Public School system at Medgar Evers Elementary School. She also attended John Fiske and Stagg Elementary Schools as well. Erica then went on to continue her education at Emil G. Hirsh Metropolitan High School. Erica began working at an early age, in the hospitality and retail industries. She was notorious for finding and becoming an entrepreneur on the internet and loved engaging her family and friends in her businesses. Erica found her niche in retail and started her online retail store, which was known as “The Family Hustle.”  In 2003, Erica’s gave birth to her eldest child, her son, Demetrius J. Wells. He was the apple of his mother’s eye and the two shared a strong bond.

While Erica’s demeanor was often misunderstood, underneath her tough exterior was a heart of gold. She cherished being “the rock” for her family and friends and was there for them in their time of need. Erica loved hosting events, being the designated driver, and spearheading family vacations. Holidays were extremely special to her, and she celebrated them in a major way.  She absolutely loved being a mother but prided herself on being an extraordinary aunt as well. Her nieces and nephews meant the world to her and she selflessly cared for and reared them as her own.  

After being a biological mother of one for many years, Erica got the shock of her life as she received the news that she was carrying a little princess, Aaliyah J. Milton was born, and gave Erica another opportunity at motherhood. Erica was under the impression that Aaliyah would be her last child, however God had different plans when she gave birth to Asheley L. Milton making Erica a mother of three. Erica loved her children more than life itself and would do anything to provide for them.

After the transition of Erica’s brother, father, and mother she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018 for a change of scenery. She fell in love with Las Vegas and decided to make it her place of residence but remained a Chicago girl at heart.

After a silent battle with an aggressive illness, God answered all of our prayers and healed Erica on the other side. We rejoice knowing that she is with her heavenly father and has been given an eternal body. Erica was welcomed into the presence of the Lord by her parents, eldest brother, Martice I, grandparents, great-grandparents, special aunt Gloria, and a host of people that loved her.

Erica leaves to cherish her legacy one son: Demetrius; two daughters: Aaliyah and Asheley; brothers: Wayne, Corey, Joshua, Patrick, and Cleo all of Chicago, Illinois; one sister-in-love: Sylvia; Grandmother: Barbra Lee of Chicago, Illinois; three nieces: Nyna, Jasmyn and Makayla; four nephews: Martice II, Aiden, Amare, and Izan; her “sister” cousin: English; Her special friend: Roland, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that will cherish her memory forever.