Beachwood, OH- Myrna Loy Smith, born on November 30, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the King David Acute Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Beachwood, OH. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Myrna lived a life filled with vibrant stories, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.
Myrna was the daughter of Cornelius Rozenblad and Lola Holston Bryant. She was a graduate of East High School. She furthered her education by attaining an associate’s degree in surgical technology at Youngstown State University. Her dedication and expertise led her to a rewarding career as a surgical technician, spending many years at North Side Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown before working at The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital in Cleveland.
What truly set Myrna apart was not just her professional accomplishments but her incredible spirit and zest for life. She traveled the world, making connections and memories that many can only dream of. A particular highlight was her sustained friendship with President Donald J. Trump, which began long before he became a household name or produced the Apprentice reality show. Myrna fondly remembered her numerous visits to the White House, always cherishing her encounters with a variety of celebrities, including Grammy-nominated rapper Snoop Dogg, Academy Award-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg, and culinary icon Wolfgang Puck.
Myrna had an undeniable passion for cooking; she could whip up a delicious meal from just about anything, and her homemade bread was a family favorite. She loved indulging in root beer floats, cheering on her favorite cooking shows - especially Bobby Flay - and enjoying Western movies. Anyone who knew Myrna would attest to the impact she had on their lives; her laughter, kindness, and radiant love for the color red were truly one-of-a-kind.
Myrna leaves behind a loving family: her son, Derek (Carlin) A. North Sr.; seven grandchildren, Amica Bryan, DeShawn Bryan, China Brewer, Tashia Carter, Tionia Bryan, Derek A. North Jr. and Jenell North. Her legacy is entrusted to her ten great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Myrna was blessed by the generous outpouring of love from her cherished nieces Bertha Betts, Charmane Harris; beloved nephews Brandon Brown, Brian Heard, Micheal North; dear friends Rick & Starr (Bohr) Hungerford and emotional support companion Precyous Joi Bryan, affectionately known as “PJ” however Myrna called her TJ which she respected and responded accordingly. She will be remembered fondly by all who enjoyed the privilege of knowing her.
Myrna was preceded in death by her first husband, Alton North; her second husband, John Smith; her parents; and her cherished siblings Beatrice “Todd” Bryant Heard, Eliose “Tuby” Bryant Fortune, Julius Rozenblad, twins Richard and Raymond Rozenblad, Mercedes Rozenblad, James Rozenblad and great grandson Tyrell Elliots Hodge.
In celebrating Myrna's life, let us reflect on the warmth she brought to each of us. There will be a 10:00 AM public viewing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in the chapel of the J. E. Washington Funeral Home, 2234 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown. The Celebration of Life services will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Lewis Macklin officiating, and her nephew, Brandon Brown, Esq., delivering the eulogy.
The services will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of J.E. Washington Funeral Services.
After the committal ceremony Myrna will be laid to rest at Belmont Park Memorial Cemetery. She will be profoundly missed, and there will truly never be another like her.
At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Myrna Loy Smith elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.