Mrs. Iris Lynette Smith

Iris L. Smith – Redhead was born on January 30, 1961, in Lumberton, North Carolina. She was the third daughter. of the late Solomon (JW) Smith and Rebecca (Stephens) Smith, who preceded her in death. On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Iris transitioned to her heavenly home peacefully, surrounded by family and friends in Washington, DC. Growing up in rural NC, Iris attended Columbus County Public Schools, where she graduated with honors in May of 1979. She then went on to attend Howard University in Washington, DC, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in June 1984. During these school years, Iris made many lifelong friends. After graduating from Howard, she immediately began her career working at Best Programming as a Lead Information Technology Specialist on July 21, 1984. She worked there for approximately 8 years before moving on to MCI in her role as a Project Manager. While working in Corporate America, Iris held various jobs before she retired August 23, 2024 from the United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Iris was a devout Christian and gave her life to Christ at an early age at Minter’s Chapel FBC, where she grew up. She served God to the fullest with her whole heart and soul. Her faith was very strong as God was her everything. She often would say “It is through service that we can truly express our love for God. We must strive to always learn and better ourselves and use to its fullest potential for God.” Iris married the love of her life, her husband Charles Redhead on August 20, 2006. During their 18-years of marriage, Iris discovered her joy for cooking and learned from one of the best, her late mother, Rebecca Smith. Iris was known for finding new recipes and introducing her new creations to family and friends. She would often bake our favorite cakes and pies. Some of her staple dishes included spaghetti, chicken fried rice and the best potato salad and deviled eggs one could taste. Iris believed in living her best life. She enjoyed traveling to new countries with her husband and a few family members, which she did often. One of her favorite destinations was Bermuda, United Kingdom, where she travelled with her sisters. She was very supportive of her family and friends and was always there to celebrate life’s ups and supportive during life’s downs. Iris was preceded in death by her father, Soloman Smith Sr. (2004) her mother, Rebecca Smith (2019); and her brother Soloman Smith Jr. (2022). She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her husband, Ronald Charles Redhead of Washington, DC; three brothers, Ralph L. Hall (Coreen) of Washington, DC, George H. Smith of Lumberton, NC, and Martin F. Smith of Lumberton, NC; two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Charlotte (Dennis) Hempstead of Lumberton, NC, Diane Smith of Washington, DC, and Raymond Redhead of Sag Harbor, NY; Uncles and Aunts, John H. Stephens of Las Vegas, NV, William D. (Sheila) Stephens of Woodland Hills, CA, Sadie Williams of Baltimore, MD and Floria (Sherman) Thompson of Baltimore, MD; one mother-in-law, Gladys Redhead of Sarasota, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Mrs. Iris Lynette Smith

January 30, 1961 - September 24, 2024