Marchéa Denise Tiggs-Smith, affectionately known as "Cookie Tee" and "Veda," was born on April 8, 1970, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Floyd and Louise Barbee. She was the youngest of six children, blessed to grow up with two sisters and three brothers.

Marchéa was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where she received her education through the Cleveland Public Schools system. She attended Sowinski Elementary School, Daniel E. Morgan Elementary School, Empire Junior High School, and East High School, graduating with the Class of 1987. As a young woman, Marchea was athletic and enjoyed running and playing basketball. She also possessed a natural eye for fashion and initially planned to pursue a career in fashion design in Cincinnati, Ohio. Choosing instead to remain close to her family, she enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College, where she studied Accounting Principles.

At an early age, Marchea accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized and became a member of Mt. Victory Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for many years. Her dedication to the ministry was evident through her service as a Trustee Board Member and Church Treasurer until 2021.

Marchea was employed by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) as a Military Pay Technician, where she faithfully served for eighteen years. On July 6, 2026, at 2:10 p.m., surrounded by her loving and devoted husband, family, and friends, God called Marchea's name, and she peacefully answered His call, departing this earthly life to receive her eternal rest.

Marchea was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Floyd and Louise Barbee; her cherished daughter, Arielle La'Chea Swopes; and her dear sister, Ida "Tootsie" Holloway.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband of twenty-six and a half years, LeJuan N. Smith; her beloved stepson, Tayvion Winston of Cleveland, Ohio; her loving sister, Dr. Deborah Martin-Grissom of Cleveland, Ohio; her three brothers, Robert Lee Tiggs, Kelvin L. Tiggs, both of Cleveland, Ohio, and Keith Tiggs of Fort Myers, Florida. She also leaves behind 22 nieces and nephews, 24 great-nieces and great-nephews, and 17 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; two Godsons, Rayshon Parker and Olympio White, Jr.; one Goddaughter, Uniquewa Howard; her mother-in-law, Regina Jones; her father-in-law, George Smith; her two sister-in-laws, LaTasha Johnson and LaToya Johnson; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing and loving her.

Marchea was admired by many and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a woman of kindness, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love. Her beautiful smile could brighten any room, and her gentle spirit brought comfort, encouragement, and joy to everyone she encountered. Whether through her laughter, her thoughtful heart, or her quiet strength, Marchea left an unforgettable imprint on countless lives.

Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that her love will continue to live on through the countless memories she leaves behind. Her legacy of faith, love, and selflessness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they shared, the love they gave, and the memories we cherish forever."