Earline Gadson-Smith was born in Ocala, FL. When her parents moved to Plant City (the Strawberry Capital), she attended high school where she was a cheerleader. Upon graduation she moved to Newark, NJ; following her older brothers. It was there she made her home for more than 60 years. Family was very Important to her and she loved her children and led their 4H Club while also involving them in community programs. Instilling faith, pride and honor, she saw all three off to college as she enjoyed stints with Newark Airport, as a dental hygienist and an office manager. A lover of baseball, especially the Negro Baseball League, she was a life member of the National Council of Negro Women and a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church.
