Natalie Hooker “O.B.” Smith
Born May 23, 1941
Natalie Hooker O.B. Smith, age 76, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s residence on Friday, February 23, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Wilmington, DE on May 23, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Paul Edgar and Eve Manning (Reid) Smith. Raised in Arden, Natalie resided in Newark for most of her adult life. She graduated from the University of Delaware, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. A long career in food service, Natalie was a manager at Deer Park Tavern and was Director of Food Services at the Newark Senior Center where she retired after many years of service. She had a passion for Jazzercise, which she taught at the Newark Senior Center for the past 16 years.
Natalie was a grateful and active member of AA for the past 38 years. She always looked forward to family beach week, trips to Maine, and hiking. Natalie’s tremendous sense of humor will be dearly missed by the many lives she touched. Most of all, she had a commitment to acceptance and serenity with a dramatic flair and appreciation for the absurd.
In addition to her parents, Natalie was preceded in death by her son, Major Kenneth Charles KC Simpkiss III; sister, Priscilla Bill Witke; and son-in-law, Edward Francis Crowe. She is survived by her daughters, Natalie Royer Fischer, and her husband, Rob, and Rebecca Parker Crowe; sisters, Reid Smith Suchanec, and her husband, John, and Krista Manning Meinersmann; brother-in-law, David Witke; 9 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 10 am until 12 Noon on Saturday morning, March 3, 2018 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Natalie’s memory may be made to the Newark Senior Center, 200 Whitechapel Drive, Newark, DE 19713, Warriors Heart Foundation by visiting
Judith Ulrich
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother, Rebecca and Royer Sending love and condolences to your entire family. Natalie will be missed by all of those she so lovingly touched. May you find Peace and Comfort is this time of need.
Roxanne Mazuco
to Natalie’s family I am so sorry for your loss. I loved this wonderful lady with all my heart & will miss her more than words can say. she was a very special friend to me & will live forever in my heart. all my love & prayers to you all
Kelly Boettcher
My condolences to Natalie’s entire family. She was a inspiration to many.
When I first met her at Jazzercise, I was so impressed on her teaching
and energy. We can only hope as Jazz Instructors to be like her. She will
be missed on and off the dance floor.
Julie Haines
May you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed by all but especially your Jazzercise class at the NSC/
Amy Blenkhorn
Natalie had such energy and made jazzercise fun! Many are thankful for her enthusiasm and energy.
Sue Reyburn
I will miss Natalie’s spot in humor and her infectious laughter.
She was a sterling example of service to her fellowship
Corrine Pearson
I am a Jazzerbee because Natalie was my Jazzercise Queen. To her family who knew her best, I pray strength and peace for you. I will honor the memories of Natalie by developing the gifts she gave me. I love her and death could not take that away.
Liz Slater
Natalie, I can hear your laugh. I know Heaven is filled with that sound now!
Karen Napoli
To Natalie’s Family~Praying for your comfort during this difficult time. Natalie always kept us Jazzercise Instructors and Students on our toes. Her energy and humor were contagious. An inspiration to many. Much love to you.
Nadine Weisenbach
Sending my heartfelt condolences to your entire family. Natalie was my dearest Jazzercise friend. I will cherish such wonderful, loving memories. She will live on in my heart and on the dance floor! May you find peace, comfort and pride knowing she touched so many lives with her energy, laughter and smile.
Teresa Galloway
Your words of wisdom, encouragement, strength and hope were a grace to me and I am sure to many more. I pray God’s comfort for your families. You will be missed.
John lavelle
I remember you when when I came up the stairs at Westminster. You were there. You were tough and straight on. You gave me a job at the Deer Park for a little while and now I’m a teacher. You passed it on. Thank you, john
Mike gillen
Always there for the newcomer. As big a part of my recovery as anyone. Rest In Peace my friend. Anyone who never heard her laugh will just have to live it through those of us fortunate enough to have had her in our lives.
Paula Blomenberg
Natalie, you will always be in my heart. I cherish the days…months…years that we walked the walk together. Now you have walked right into heaven…You will be missed!
Veleka Brown
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family at this time.
Kathy Moon
Such a beautiful soul who touched so many and who will be greatly missed…Rest in peace dear Natalie…
Bitsy George
I worked with Natalie at Pappys in the 70’s. She was great to work with. I know she will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Geoff Franklin
Rebecca and Royer my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Your Mom was a special lady… one of a kind. Another wonderful soul and part of my childhood growing up in and around the DP. Not too many of the old gang still around. Happy to hear she continued doing what she loved. The world will be a little less bright without her here on earth. ✌❤
Ken Davis
My condolences to the family. My mom, Judy, worked with Natalie at the Deer Park. I also worked with her for a few years. Natalie was a great person. RIP Natalie. Please say hi to my Mom when you meet up with her in heaven!
Jean Williams
How could one person influence so many people in such diverse ways. Natalie was one of a kind. I remember meeting her at the senior center knowing she was someone I could trust and would shoot straight with her thoughts. She held the food program together as few would have been able to do. She is a shining star in heaven just as she was on earth.
Beth Evans
I miss you, my old friend. Thanks for walking down the road with all of us!
Jan Ridings
Natalie was an inspiration and bright light to me… She was Jazzercise and Jazzercise was Natalie!
My deepest sympathy to her daughters, sisters, and entire family.
I will always cherish the memories of my leader and friend, Natalie.
Corrine Pearson
Natalie put her heart and soul into Jazzercise at the Newark Senior Center. Her legacy will be honored as her fellow Jazzercise Instructors keep her classes going, I am working hard and fast toward Certification so I can be a part of keeping her legacy by teaching her classes. You passed the Jazzercise Torch Natalie, thank you.