Marcia Yvonne Allen-Smith, a trailblazing woman who escaped the hard life of her hometown of East. St. Louis, Illinois before leaving her mark in the Denver Public School system, has passed away. She was 85.

Marcia was born the second child of Nicholas and Mary Haywood on April 5, 1939, in St. Louis Missouri. At the time, the only hospital that accepted Negro babies was Homer G. Phillips Hospital (a world renowned African American hospital) in North St. Louis where she was born. Marcia was a curious child that developed a thirst for knowledge and eventually found a keen interest in music, playing the alto saxophone and wanting to become a professional singer, possibly because her father was the first drummer for jazz legend Miles Davis. She recalls sitting on a barstool as a child watching her father play with several jazz legends including Duke Ellington. The only stipulation from her mother Mary was that she had to attend church on Sunday morning at New Hope Baptist Church in East. St. Louis. Every Saturday afternoon you could always catch her with childhood friends from Polocktown at either the Harlem or Deluxe movie theaters watching Tarzan, a western, or the latest Black movie.

As a teen, she was well on her way, becoming a vital part of the awarding-winning Lincoln High School jazz band in East St. Louis where her musical aspirations intensified. Marcia's talents led her to the Big Apple where, along
with her college choir, sang in New York City. However, that's as far as her music career would go with her interests turning to educating youth, specifically Black youth. During this time, she met a young man named Robert Allen while taking a night course at a local business school.

But life took off for Marcia after graduating from Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College, which later became University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, with a degree in Home Economics Education in 1962. During her college years she was active in several organizations. She became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Alpha Rho Chapter) on April 20th, 1961. Upon graduation Marcia and Robert married, and later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, excited for new adventures and tossing behind the rough streets of East St. Louis. From this union, Scott M. Allen was born. While watching television in the hospital after delivery of her only son, an
up-and-coming world figure skater with the same name appeared on the screen. She thought that would be a perfect name for her newborn.

After teaching high school in the Kansas City School District, the married couple again packed up, this time heading even further west to the scenic Mile High City, Denver Colorado. At the time Denver was experiencing a renaissance in Black culture as thousands of African Americans from across the country moved to the city. With a wealth of educational experience, Marcia was immediately in high demand. Denver was the place where Marcia would make a citywide impact. She created the first cooking and life skills class for boys in Denver Public Schools, educating young students with life-long knowledge on how to prepare nutritious meals and become self-sufficient. This program became nationally recognized.

Away from work, she left a mark in the community she resided, becoming one of the first families in Denver to integrate Park Hill United Methodist Church during the turbulent 60's. She also found time to further her education by gaining a master's degree in School Administration from Colorado State University. Thinking back on his mother, Scott Allen said the two shared an unbreakable bond that even through death will live on. "I'll miss her loving support. She was always there… If I was involved in it, she was there. All the recitals, concerts, basketball and football games, she never missed an event I was involved in." he said. "She was a caring and giving person, but with an edge. She never got rid of that. She would never mince words and would tell it like it is."

In 1989 while out on the town and having fun with her girlfriends, she noticed a young man that was watching her from afar. She wondered if he would say something to her, and he did. James R. Smith (better known in the community as "Smitty") offered he a dance in which she obliged. The two hit it off and became inseparable. After a world wind courtship, the two married with the blessing of her son on December 28, 1991. In the years to follow, Marcia and Smitty literally toured the world. If a cruise ship went there, they were on it.

They never missed a convention or meeting of the various organizations they affiliated with. Their love and commitment to each other was very evident and noticeable. Whatever Marcia wanted, Smitty made sure she had it.

Marcia belonged to several organizations including Lone Star Chapter No. 1 O.E.S. PHA Initiated 6/7/1996, Served as Worthy Matron in 2002.Syrian Court #40, Imperial Court Daughters 8/16/1996, Created at Imperial Session. Served as Illustrious Commandress in 2003 and served as Deputy for Oasis from - 2004-2015.

Marcia was also a faithful member of the Epsilon Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

She leaves behind her boys Scott and Anthony, sister-in-law Carol, nephews Adrian, Terence, Cory, nieces Roslyn, and Marilyn, step-son Robert, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a host of other relatives and many dear friends.