Mattie Priscilla Applelone Smith

Ms. Mattie Priscilla Applelone Smith, 69, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. She was born October 28, 1954, in Saginaw, Michigan to James and Lula B. Jones.

Priscilla was a graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of 1973. She loved spending time with family and enjoyed reading, movies, traveling, road trips, and sightseeing. Priscilla was an avid card player and wouldn’t pass up a game of dominoes. The activity that gave her the most joy was shopping at rummage sales. She was a member of New Galilee Full Gospel Baptist Church where she served on the Mother’s Board.

Priscilla was employed by Means Industries until 2012. She embodied a true entrepreneurial spirit and always kept a side business. She would pack up her truck with fresh fruits and vegetables and hit the road in a heartbeat. Priscilla was well-known from Saginaw to Flint as “The Watermelon Lady.”

She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Tard (Fontella) Smith; daughters, Venus Smith, Johnetta and Johnquetta Shelley; daughter-in-law, Nikimo Smith; grandchildren, Ashton (Kaylie) McMillan, Precious, Elliot, and Sdyney Smith, Trinton and Trinity Choyce, Jacob and Journee Shelley; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Isaac, and Ava McMillan; two bonus grandsons, Jestin and Christian Davis; goddaughter, Kayla West; nieces Joy Jones-Peterson and Carla Jones; best friend, Cynthia Curry, and Mrs. Brown, a neighbor who was more like family; and a host of other family and close friends.

Priscilla was preceded in death by her parents, James, and Lula B. Jones; her beloved son, Adrain Smith; brothers, Issac Jones, James Erby, and Andrew Scott; sisters, Thelma Burton, Alma Jean Manley, and Marylee Garrett, and special cousin, Valarie McClain.