Shawn R. Smith was the only daughter of the late Rosalyn J. Snead-Furgeson and oldest child of the late Herman (Smitty) Smith. Shawn Smith was born May 20, 1974, in Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania she was educated in the Philadelphia School System and graduated from St. Maria Goretti private school in Philadelphia.
Shawn moved to Maryland in 2005, where she would soon open a community store in 2008 until 2012 with her ex-husband, Nathaniel Alexander. Soon after she became employed at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as a service worker from 2013 until her tenured. She was also an employee of Somerset Community Services where she worked as a Medical Technician from 2022 until her tenured.
Shawn was intelligent, creative, and courageous. She always believed in getting things done no matter how hard it was or how long it took. She was generous and always willing to help others any way she could. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and having fun with her kids during her free time.
Shawn was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer on August 2, 2024. Following a promising surgical procedure, she began chemotherapy treatments every other week in hopes of recovery. However, by December, the cancer had progressed to stage IV, and it became clear that the initial chemotherapy regimen was ineffective. Her medical team adjusted the treatment plan, but despite their efforts, the cancer remained unresponsive. As the disease advanced, the treatments became increasingly burdensome. By the end of April 2025, Shawn’s health had declined to the point that she was no longer able to leave her home. On May 19, 2025, Shawn peacefully passed away in her family home, surrounded by her beloved children.
Shawn is survived by her four kids, Khalil Smith, Joshua Smith, Rosalyn Alexander and Javon Alexander; stepfather, Robert Furgeson, great aunt, Rosetta Anthony, a host of cousins and other relatives.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 30522 Dr. William P. Hytche Boulevard, Princess Anne, MD with a viewing one hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00 PM-6:00 PM Friday, May 30, 2025 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.
Interment will follow at John Wesley (Bowland Hill) Cemetery in Princess Anne.
13 Responses
To the family of Shawn Smith I’m sending my prayers and condolences to you all during this difficult time and difficult loss of ms Shawn. Im praying for you all to have healing and strength and comfort as well. God give you healing and strength to grievement and cherish the memories of her during this difficult loss. R.I.P. Shawn Smith
This is heartbreaking 😢 ive known her for a while when she and her ex husband Nate briefly ran a store in princess anne MD 😢😢😢 I am so sorry to see this
Sending our condolences to Shawn family. So sorry for the passing of your mom but she’s no longer in pain. I am glad I got to see her because she wanted a hug. She will truly be missed. God don’t put on us no more than we can bare and he knew she was ready. Debbie & Mickey Polk
Thanks you Jesus for good friend
🩵🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
Continued thoughts and prayers to her children and family. Shawn was the friend who became family. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with her, the laughs, and her allowing me to be a part of her battle. I will forever miss you friend. -Muffin
Praying for the family of Shawn may God bless you and give you peace in your time of sorry remember God won’t put more on us then we can bear
In memory of a cherished colleague. Your hard work, kindness, and determination inspired everyone around you. You gave so much of yourself to help others, no matter the task. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all of us.
With prayers of comfort to the family,
My Condolences and Prayers to the family sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss, enjoyed working with Shawn, had a lot of laughs, so glad I got to know her in the short time we shared, she always talked a lot about her children, to God be the Glory!! She is at peace now.
💐💐My Condolences To The Family💐💐
The Times Shawn & I had was very brief at times but when we did see each other we had a good time. You would have thought we knew each other forever!! Laughter until we cry talking about our Kids🙏🏾😪😪 She kept me calm at times when I was going through.. weather it’s the job or personal issues🥹☺️ So Honored to have meet Shawn💐🙏🏾❤️ STAY STRONG FAMILY🙏🏾🙏🏾
Praying for you all during this difficult time 🙏🏽
Praying for her children and family. I truly enjoyed working with her at Somerset Hall (SchoolofPharmacy). The laughter, conversations about her children, and making sure I had snacks was so appreciated. One of the hardest working women I know. I’ll never forget you Shawn.
I was truly blessed to have known Shawn. During her time at the UMES School of Pharmacy in Somerset Hall, she exemplified an exceptional work ethic and unwavering dedication. She brought a kind and steady presence to our building, and her genuine nature touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. I held deep respect and admiration for Shawn, and I will always remember her with gratitude and the highest regard. She will be deeply missed.