Steffani Larae Smith, 42, of Hollywood, Maryland took her flight from this earthly life on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Steffani was born on March 25, 1973 in Leonardtown, MD to Mary and Frank Smith Sr., the youngest of six children.

Steffani was educated through the St. Mary's County Public School system. While attending Leonardtown High School, she enrolled at the St. Mary's County Technical Center where she discovered her passion for Culinary Arts. After graduating from Leonardtown High School in 1991, she attended Baltimore Culinary Arts School at the Baltimore International College. This is where she earned an Associates Degree.

Steffani was hired at Breads Unlimited in Bethesda, MD and was quickly promoted to a managerial position. Her professional career continued in various places of employment. Steffani was most recently employed at Food Lion from 2002 until present where she worked as Deli Manager, amongst other positions. Steffani was also a co-owner of Scrumptious Entrees Catering and Cakes were she was the primary pastry chef.

Steffani committed herself to her religion. She was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Scotland, MD, where she was a participant of the Young Adult choir. Steffani enjoyed reading, traveling, music and dance. She participated in various charitable works, most notably on the fight against breast cancer, autism awareness, and the WARM program.

Steffani was fully dedicated to family and friends. She held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews. Godmother to Egypt and Elijah Bond, and Micah Courtney, all of whom she adored. She would often say, "As long as I have my family I'm ok".

Steffani Larae leaves to cherish her memories, parents, Mary and Frank Smith Sr. of Hollywood MD; Godparents,Esther and John Smith Jr. of Lexington Park, MD; siblings, Sonya (Frank McKenzie), Frank (Margaret Smith), Vonda (Steven Douglas), Marcus (Darlene Smith), Tiffani (Louis Bond) and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Alice Lucinda and William H. Porter, of Dameron, MD, Felix Cecelia and John W. Smith, of Ridge, MD; aunts, Sarah Beatrice Smith, Elmira Davis, Mary Alice Porter and nephews, Noah and Noel Bond.

Family will unite with friends on Saturday, January 2, 2016 for visitation at 9:30 am until time of service at 11:00 am at First Missionary Baptist Church, 46370 Pegg Lane, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Interment to follow at St. Luke's United Methodist Church Cemetery, 12880 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687. Arrangements provided by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.