Photo courtesy of Facebook

LAUDERHILL, Fla. – Desorae Giles-Smith, Lauderhill’s first Black and first woman city manager, died last month following a battle with cancer, according to social media.

In July, Giles-Smith was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and underwent treatments.

Regarded as a trailblazer, Giles-Smith was the city’s first Black and first woman city manager.

“Her service transcended titles. She helped to shape our governance with a strategic vision that strengthened our community locally and regionally. Her leadership was marked by principled and relentless focus on making Lauderhill better for all residents,” the city said in a statement.

Giles-Smith is survived by husband Chris Smith, a former lawmaker who served as Democratic Leader in both chambers and their two sons, Christopher and Christian.