Tangia Constance Roy-Smith was born on August 30, 1963 in Camden, NJ to Margaret Parks

and the late Gerald H. Kelly. Tangia was the fourth oldest sibling on her mother’s side and

the only daughter, and eldest, on her father’s side. Tangia was also a loving mother and

grandmother to her four children and two grandchildren. Tangia was known for her sassy

and “Bossy” ways in school by her family, neighbors, and friends. However, above all things,

she was a true believer in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Tangia has always been a

strong-minded individual in all her leadership roles. She would help anyone, if it was within

her power and when something had to be done, you could always count on Tangia to

complete the task at hand, whether big or small. She made things possible out of the

impossible. However, if Tangia wanted something done a particular way, she would give you

a stare to let you know she meant business. Rest assure, nothing was going to get in

Tangia’s way once her mind was set. Tangia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and

survived it twice. Since then, she attended the annual breast cancer walk at Cooper River

Park and wore her pink proudly almost daily. Tangia was also very selective on who she

would let in her circle, but once she considered you a friend or part of her family, you were

that for life.

Tangia married Walter D. Smith III on September 26, 1987. From their union, they had

Taneesha La’Shay Smith. As Tangia’s life moved on from this marriage, she solidified her

friendship with her soul mate Cyrus Saxon, whom she met in 1980. From this union, they

had three children, Jordan Miajza Smith, Paitney Odell Saxon, and Paige Lanee Saxon.

Tangia enjoyed dancing, listening to music, riding to Atlantic City with Cyrus for her

saltwater taffy, and hosting family barbecues. Tangia and Cyrus would often go shopping

together at BJ’s and WalMart, arguing all the way there about “her” shopping list. Tangia and

Cyrus enjoyed each other’s company by spending quality time traveling to South Carolina,

each year during the summertime. Throughout the duration of their union for over 30 years,

Cyrus continued to stay by Tangia’s side, honoring his vows to always take care of her,

through sickness and in health. Tangia and Cyrus’s love was long lasting and will forever be.

Tangia was a firm believer in education. Her educational path began at Wiggins Elementary

School, Hatch B. middle school, where she was the captain of the dance club. After Hatch,

Tangia attended Camden High School, where she became captain of the cheerleading

squad and was in the school paper graduating with honors. After high school, Tangia

attended Farleigh Dickinson University, majoring in Pscyhology. She left during her

freshman year once she had Taneesha, yet she went onto continue her educational journey

by attending Harris Business School. Tangia worked several jobs throughout school and

college, however, Tangia’s successful career was being a secretary for the Appeals Tribunal

for The State of NJ, which spanned over 20 years. Tangia’s last and favorite job was being a

crossing guard for The City of Camden. She loved being able to see “her” kids everyday and

even had her own interactions with the children, their families, and educators. If Tangia was

still here, she would continue to boss everyone around, provide shelter, feed the hungry,

and would be proud to do so everyday.

Tangia turned her life over to God at Higher Ground Temple COGIC in 2011. Tangia served

under the leadership pf Bishop E.M. Barron and she loved her Pastor for always guiding and

leading her. Most of all, for always helping her through difficult times and praying for her

without hesitation. Tangia would call on and wait for her Pastor when she wasn’t feeling

well and would get mad if anyone talked about “Her Pastor. ” She referred to him as a

healing Pastor who was anointed and would shout,

“Hey Hey Now” whenever the Word or

service moved her or “stepped on her toes” as she would say. Tangia held many leadership

roles within the church including being an usher, with the youth ministry, hospitality, etc.

She was elevated to Missionary in 2025 and Pastor would call on her to present during

Black History, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Women’s history months. She loved going to

Sunday School where she could learn from Elder Wiles and Elder “Mom” Joyce. Despite

how Tangia would feel, she was a prayer warrior and would worship the Lord in her slippers

or socks.

Tangia leaves to mourn her husband (Your Baldness) Cyrus Saxon Sr., her mother, Margaret

Parks, four daughters, Taneesha, Jordan, Paige, pre-deceased our cat Krooklynn, her

favorite and only son, Paitney, and her two grandchildren, Hunter and Jayce. 11 Siblings:

Lawrence Roy, William Roy, Sheila Dhrouba, Gerald Smith, predeceased by Sylvannia

Smith, Odell Roy, Teer Gilbert, Kenyatta Kelly, Kevin Riley, Jerrold Hardy, Malcolm and

Dahmir Kelly. Her bonus daughter, Dakota Frazier (Daddie) and a host of aunts, uncles,

nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, colleagues, and students are left to celebrate

her being with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and encouraging us to,

“Spell it & Remember to Pray “