By Guest Writer
Ms. Gurnese Smedley was born to Ed and Hattie Delonely on Aug. 16, 1923, in Sheffield, Alabama. She is a God-fearing woman who accepted Christ at an early age. Gurnese is involved in New Bethel Baptist Church and was Sunday School Secretary for three years. She met and married James Johnson and had a beautiful daughter named Mary Gurnese Patterson, who preceded her in death. She eventually relocated to Cleveland and met and married her second husband, Mr. Jimmy Smedley. She has enjoyed traveling, cooking, and crocheting.
After her husband’s passing, Gurnese has been a resident at Kingsbury Tower in Ward 7 since 2012. She is an outspoken person and is loved by many. Over the past 100 years, Gurnese has shared her wisdom and experience with those around her. Her many contributions to her community and family are commendable and inspirational to others.