Priscilla Richardson Smith's Obituary
Priscilla Richardson Smith, 92, of Rehoboth Beach, Del., passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children and family dog, Groot, on October 17, 2025. She will be remembered as an avid reader, talented gardener and needlepointer, community and church volunteer, and loving mother and grandmother who cooked delicious family meals.
Born on May 8, 1933, in Dover, Del., Priscilla graduated from Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Mass., before attending Mount Vernon College in Washington, D.C. Former Governor Charles Terry set her up with Air Force fighter pilot Jay Smith, and they married in 1954. After numerous moves to support her husband’s career, they became full-time Rehoboth residents in 1983, where she launched into community affairs and never stopped.
Few people served the greater Rehoboth Beach area more tirelessly — or humbly — than Priscilla, also known as Prissy to her late husband and grandchildren. In 2000, Rehoboth Beach Main Street presented her with its Community Unity Outstanding Citizen Award, followed by being named the 2002 Delaware Coast Press Person of the Year. The Rehoboth Beach–Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce chose her for the 2004 Mae Hall McCabe Award for Outstanding Community Service, and she was honored with the 2010 Village Improvement Association Citizenship Award.
When pressed about how and why she did so much for the community, she would say, “Ohhh, it’s just something I enjoy.” Something she enjoyed most was ensuring the continual success of the Rehoboth Beach Public Library. She led the Friends of the Library as president from 1993 until 2018, while chairing countless fundraisers, including the beloved Chocolate Festival. She served as secretary of the RB Homeowners’ Association for 18 years, as well as terms as president and treasurer. She honed her gardening skills as a member and officer of the Sussex Gardeners and through her over 20 years of service as chairperson of the RB Park and Shade Tree Commission, where she maintained playgrounds, gazebos, and community gardens.
The RB Charter Centennial Committee, the Downtown Revitalization Committee on Aesthetics, RB Main Street, Save Our Lakes Alliance, and other groups enjoyed Prissy’s expertise and leadership, as did the RB Parks and Recreation Committee. Her commitment extended to her church, All Saints’ Episcopal, where she served as senior warden, a vestry member, and led the altar guild for four decades. To further the church’s ministry in the community, Priscilla chaired the long-running Rehoboth Christmas Shop fundraiser. Throughout this time, Priscilla dedicated over 24 years as treasurer of the City of Rehoboth Beach.
She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, James Warner Smith (Jay), her parents, Harry Alden Richardson II and Dorothy Millman Richardson, and her sister, Dorothy Richardson Baldwin.
Priscilla is survived by her three children, Curtis Alden Smith (Elaine), Cynthia Smith Speake (Elliotte), and Terry Alden Smith; seven grandchildren, Alden Speake Cayse (Brian), Madeline Alden Smith (Matthew Kane), Molly Alden Smith, Margaret Alden Smith (Jake Hubbard), Beau Alden Smith, Erika Alden Smith (Benedict Maggio), and Christopher Alden Smith; one great-granddaughter, Edith Alden Cayse; and the family dog, Groot.
The family expresses appreciation to her caregivers, Cindy, Wanda, Virginia, Laurie, JoJo, and Wendy.
She’ll be missed deeply by her family and the many people who shared her sharp-witted friendship.
A memorial service will be held in December 2025 at All Saints’ Church, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; details to come. Inurnment will be private. Memorial gifts may be made to West Side New Beginnings, Inc. in West Rehoboth, Del., or a charity close to your heart.
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