Smith became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career.
She was an original member of Dionne Warwick's Gospelaires group which later evolved into the Sweet Inspirations.
In 1973, Smith began dating Jerry Schilling, a friend and associate of Elvis who subsequently also managed the Beach Boys at one point.
While performing on the "Elvis: The Concert" European tour in March 2010, Smith developed pneumonia which eventually led to kidney failure and a stroke.
She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.