Muriel J. Smith

Muriel "Puff" Lyle Smith, 75 of Neptune died Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at her home in Neptune. Born in Philadelphia on May 7, 1940 to George Lyle, Jr. and Muriel Sweeney Lyle, Puff, as she preferred to be called, graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1958. After graduation, she relocated to Washington, D.C., where she started her family. In the late 1960's, she returned to the tri-state area, where she met her soul-mate, Charles "Chazz" Smith, on a blind date through a mutual friend. In 1970, the couple, described as "very close, with an unbreakable bond," married and settled into their home in The Gables neighborhood in Neptune, where they would raise their lovely daughters: Stayce, Romy, and Kecia.A woman of vision, courage, wisdom and strength. The Puff we all knew and loved was never hesitant to share what was on her heart and mind, and not afraid to stand up for what she believed in. That's why it is no surprise that she would follow in the footsteps of her dad - a Philadelphia radio personality, and later public relations director at Lincoln University - to become the creator, host and producer of her own cable TV show, "Unique Woman," for 20 years. Her commitment to informing, empowering and inspiring her viewers and her community also led her to help launch "Neptune (Township) Day" in 1985 and spearhead Circle of L.O.V.E. (Let's Overcome Violence Everywhere), a support group for domestically abused women. Through the years, Puff received a number of awards and accolades for her service to the community. As recently as April 20, 2014, she was presented with a special plaque honoring her more than 30 years of service as a judge of Asbury Park's annual Easter Pageant Parade. However, no recognition spoke to her heart and family history of service more than when she and her sister, Andrea, were named honorary members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. during the organization's 1994 Boulé in Indianapolis. Their grandmother, Ethel Hegdemon Lyle, was the originator & founding member of AKA. Preceding her in death was her daughter, Stayce Carpenter Harvey; and her husband, Charles "Chazz" Smith.She is survived by her daughters, Romy McClure and Kecia Ellison (Bill); her grandchildren: Chantél Harris (Richard); William "Eddie" Harvey; Maya McClure; her great-grandchildren: Sanaa Harris, Karlise Harris and Richard Harris; her sister: Andrea Lyle-Wilson; her nephews: Stephen Hall (Chanteé) and Kevin Hall (Maleata); and a host of relatives and friends. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at her home on Sunday, October 18, 2015, 12pm-8pm.