Lila Patricia Noble was born on December 31, 1941, in Gainesville, Florida, to the late James E. Smith, Sr., and Caleitha Smith. She departed this life peacefully on March 3, 2026. Lila was a devoted follower of Christ and began her Christian journey at an early age. She was a member of Old Ship of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Faith Hope Baptist Church in New Jersey, where she served on several committees. When Lila relocated to Maryland, she became a member of the Cavalry Chapel, Ft. Meade, MD. Later, she became a faithful member of St. Mark United Methodist Church under the leadership of the late Herbert W. Watson, Jr.

Lila received her early education through the Middlesex County Public School System in New Jersey. During her school years, she was very athletic and played on the hockey and lacrosse teams. Lila was competitive, eager to support her teammates, and always determined to excel. She later attended and graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Lila's passion was to pursue a career in criminal justice, which served as the foundation guiding her throughout her life and career.

Following Lila’s graduation, she began her career with the Middlesex County Probation Department. Shortly thereafter, Lila relocated to Maryland and began working in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools system as a substitute teacher. She was actively involved in her community, church, and public service organizations. Lila began her career as a Senior Parole and Probation Agent for the State of Maryland in the Glen Burnie office. Throughout her tenure at Parole and Probation, Lila received many accolades for her dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving others. She loved attending political events and was not afraid to speak her mind. Lila had maintained lifelong friendships with her colleagues from the Glen Burnie Office, lawyers, judges, and the Millrace community. After 40 years of serving the public, demonstrating outstanding professionalism and attaining her career goals, Lila retired to enjoy her golden years.

Lila loved her family deeply and treasured the memories she created. She had a sense of humor, which kept us laughing. Lila was affectionately known as Pat, Trisha, and “Mommy” to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed walking, getting her nails done, dancing, shopping, and listening to music. Her favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys. Her favorite song was “Silent Night” by the Temptations.

She was preceded in death by her son, Lamar W. Noble; her brother, James E. Smith, Jr.; four sisters, Shirley J. Spence, Daisy P. Haynes, Mary E. Hobley, and Sandra Smith-Durant; and her son-in-law, Joseph Hall, Jr.

Lila leaves to cherish her loving memory three children: her son, Robert Ward, Jr., of Millersville, MD; and her daughters, Dr. Darlene Hall of Evans, GA, and Lisa Ward-McManus of Glen Burnie, MD. She also leaves four grandchildren, Monique McClendon (Donald) of Evans, GA, and Christin Hall of Evans, GA, Ryshaun Ward (Vanessa) of Orange, VA, Carl Ward of Atlanta, GA, Devon Noble of Greenville, NC; eight great-grandchildren, Jenesis McClendon, Journee McClendon, and Brooklyn Hall all of Evans, GA; Jordan Ward of Covington, VA, Jalen Ward of Philadelphia, PA, Chance Ward of Orange, VA, Caiden Ward of Orange, VA, Case Ward of Orange, VA; her goddaughter, Charlene Durant of Evans, GA; nephews, Elder Joseph Haynes, Jr. of Lake Worth, FL, Donald Haynes of Loxahatchee, FL, Laurenzo Haynes of Boynton Beach, FL, Christopher Haynes of Westlake, FL, Sharief Hobley of New Brunswick, NJ; nieces, Frances Alford of East Windsor, NJ, Jeanice Brown of Loxahatchee, FL, Pamela Dickerson of West Palm Beach, FL, Yvette Randolph of Browns Mills, NJ, Chaundra Durant-Scott of Hanover, MD, and Charlene Durant of Evans, GA; along with a host of great nephews and nieces, great-great grandchildren, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion will continue to live on through her family and all whose lives she touched.