Newport, RI -Fernella O Smith, 95, of Newport, Rhode Island.

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Fernella Henry-Smith. Our mother passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday November 5, 2023.
Our mother was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved her family immensely.

She is survived by six of her eight children; Gaston, Tambuora, Elaine, Esther, Ellise and Dale. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and her sister Elfreida Daniel. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday November 11, 2023, at 11:30 am at First Prebyterian Church 6 Everett Street in Newport. The repass will follow immediately after in the church reception hall.
Burial will be private.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...