Hampton, VA

God in His perfect and all-wise way looked around His garden and chose this rose for His heavenly bouquet. MaryLee Smith-Oridge, 95, peacefully passed away in the presence of her son, Oliver, on January 5, 2022, in Hampton, VA.

MaryLee was born to the late Andrew James, Sr. and Margaret Gaskin on January 29, 1926 in Lake City, FL. Her family moved to Douglas, GA where she was raised. At a later age, she was a head cook at Benton Restaurant and was a Presser at a local dry cleaners. She met Rufus L. Oridge in Douglas, GA. On August 7, 1948 they were united in holy matrimony. They settled in Madison, NJ in the early 50's where they raised their three sons, MacArthur, LeeRoy and Oliver. In Madison, she worked for the late Dr. Von doillen as a domestic for 35 years. She also worked for 8 years at the Madison Community House preparing and serving the senior citizens of Madison. On the weekends, she and her husband would vend at a local flea market in East Orange, NJ. MaryLee joined First Baptist Church, Madison, NJ where she remained a member for over 40 years. She served faithfully as President of the Usher Board and member of the Missionary Society and the choir.

MaryLee was known for her stylish hats, fashionable dresses, her beautiful smile and her unique graceful walk as she entered a room. She was kind, loving, gentle, giving; always willing to help others. She enjoyed serving the Lord, music, collecting antiques, sewing, and cooking for her family. She enjoyed horse racing and would spend her Friday evenings with her husband at the Meadowlands Race Track. To know her was to love her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rufus L. Oridge, her two sons, MacArthur Sears and LeeRoy Oridge. She leaves to cherish her son, Oliver Leon Oridge (Cynthia), Hampton, VA; Daughter-in-law, Lessie Oridge of Richmond, VA; Daughter, Sharon El-Shabazz (Ahmed), Lakeland, FL; 5 sisters, Louise Smith, EssieMae Kirkland, PearlieMae Clinton, EllaMae Davenport, Mary Robinson all of Lakeland, FL; 7 grandchildren, Isis Oridge, Los Angeles, CA; Monique Nichole Newsam, Killeen, TX; Rufus K. Oridge, Denver, CO, Keisha Oridge, Lakeland, FL; LeeRoy Oridge, Dover, NJ; Leon Oridge and Michael Leonard Oridge, Hampton, VA; 12 great-grandchildren, Zoe, Sydney, Zamya, Rayquan, Josiah, Elijah, Zion, Destiny, Cameron, TyVarius, JaQuarius, JaVarius and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will have viewing and visitation from 10-11 am on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton. Entombment will be at Hampton Memorial Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA. MaryLee's life will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions,2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA. 23666, 757-846-8338.  Please CLICK HERE 10 minutes before 11am to watch the celebration on line.