DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS...
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elder davis van smith
SEPTEMBER 11, 1915 JUNE 17, 2018
BISHOP ROBERT SMITH, OFFICIANT
singer comedian soldier giver companion father grandfather great-grandfather friend believer PAPPA. PASTOR FELTON BENTON, EULOGIST
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018 | NEW LEGACY COMMUNITY CHURCH | 200 S. POLK ST., DESOTO | 11AM
Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. PSALM 112 1-2
1973
1951
1989
1915 Davis Van Smith was born to Sonny and Hattie Smith, the third born of four children.
Davis and Lueola Smith bring their only child into the world, Brenda.
1942 Davis enlisted into the United States Army where he would serve as a technician.
what does a century look like? Elder accepted Christ at an early age and grew up working in the community church, Ebenezer Baptist, serving The Lord and God’s people. He served as a deacon for many years and was faithful in serving and giving financially to the church until he relocated to DeSoto, Texas in 1994. Elder received his early childhood education at Gill Elementary School in Strong, Arkansas. He graduated from Gardner High School at age 25 which he helped to build. He was in the first graduating class and was one of the two graduates in 1940. After graduating from high school, he went into the timber industry until he enlisted in the US Army during World War II in September 1942, where he served as a technician signal corps (Medic) until May 1944. He received an honorable discharge after he accidentally shot himself in the foot while cleaning his gun. After being discharged from the military, Elder returned to the Timber Industry. He became an entrepreneur, starting a Pulp Wood Contracting Business. He was known as a man of integrity and honesty. God gave him the gift to become an expert in his field. He had the ability to negotiate with land owners and to deal effectively with other business owners. Elder worked hard and
Lueola, Elder’s first wife, passes away.
After an almost near-death experience, Elder accepted his call into the ministry.
ELDER DAVIS VAN SMITH WAS BORN IN STRONG, ARKANSAS (EBENEZER
COMMUNITY) ON SEPTEMBER 11, 1915 TO THE PARENTS OF SONNY AND HATTIE
SMITH. HE WAS THE THIRD BORN OF FOUR CHILDREN: OLA MARIE, AD AND LOLA B. ELDER SMITH’S MOTHER WAS A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN MOTHER, WHO RAISED HER CHILDREN WITH CHRISTIAN VALUES.
taught and expected others to do the same. He was constantly teaching and leading by example. He had loyal, long term and hardworking employees. Elder Smith possessed a spirit of generosity; he was a liberal giver and gave liberally to the people in the community. He believed God blessed him to serve many family members, friends, and neighbors in the community of Strong. He believed you should always help those in need, and he gave all that he had to the community. At the age of 27, he married Ms. Lueola Smith. They were married for forty years and to this union one daughter, Brenda Joyce, was born. They both had a love for children and helped to raise many nephews and nieces as they would their own children, providing for them and building into their lives. Lueola died in 1973. In 1975, God brought another woman of God into Elder Smith’s life, Ms. Ella B. Moore. They enjoyed a life of serving in the church, singing together and traveling to Dallas to visit their children and grandchildren for over thirty-five years. Aunt B., as she was fondly called, passed into glory in 2011. Although Elder Smith was active in the Ebenezer Church, serving as a deacon, teacher and singer,
2000’s 1993
Elder’s first grandchild, Joy, is born on December 6.
2015
FATHER’S DAY 2018 ElderSmith transitioned to his heavenly home.
2011 Elder Smith spends several years as a teacher and volunteer at Turning Point Christian Academy
Elder’s second wife, Ella B. Smith, passes away.
Elder Smith celebrated his 100th birthday in grand fashion, surrounded by family and friends.
there remained a void. In 1989 after avoiding the call into ministry for many years, he finally said “yes” to the call after suffering a near death experience during which he sustained third degree burns over two-thirds of his body. In 1992 he finally accepted his official call into ministry as a minister of the gospel.
tried to serve Him. He said he wasn’t prefect, but he loved and cared about people and tried to help and take care of them. He said he never drank alcohol nor cursed, and he never smoked cigarettes or anything else. He said he got plenty of rest. He never lost the desire to learn and to speak into the lives of everyone he met.
In 1994, when the first great-grandchild, Joy, was born, he and Aunt B made the decision to move to Texas to assist in raising her. They pampered and nourished her, and when Gavin was born, they did the same. Next, came Cerra who received the same tender loving care followed by Gabrielle and Gabriel. Papa and Aunt B would say their plans were to move back to Arkansas as soon as they didn’t have any more great-grandchildren to raise, but that day never came because Don Jr. and Zoe arrived with the same needs as the others.
Elder Davis Van Smith was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Lueola Smith and Ella B. Smith: brother, AD Smith; 2 sisters: Ola Marie Brooks and Lola B Phifer. He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted daughter, Brenda Benton (Felton) of DeSoto; Six granddaughters: Chemille Benton of DeSoto, TX, DeAnna Williams (Don) of Cedar Hill, TX, Mekeisha Steele (Gregory) of Red Oak, TX, Feleceia Benton of Dallas, TX, Sharon Moore of Lancaster, TX; Michelle Petersen (Alfred) of Duncanville, TX: 3 grandsons: Willie Moore (Doris) of Dallas, TX; Nathan Moore (Liz) of Dallas, TX; Kevin Moore (Tyrene) of Lancaster, TX; 20 great-grandchildren: Joy, Gavin, Cerra, Gabrielle, Gabriel, Don Mario Jr, Zoe, Kollett, Willet, Dorlett, Jarod, Porshe, Brandy, Sadia, Veneisha, Tyrell, Al, Corey, Avery and Justin; a host of great-great grandchildren; nephews and nieces, relatives and friends, Agape Fellowship Christian Center family; and a special caregiver, Ms. Vera Scales.
Elder Davis Van Smith lived a full, blessed and active life. God showed His grace and mercy toward him. At age 97, he went on his first vacation: he traveled to Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York. After that trip, he became hooked on traveling. He enjoyed every aspect, from arriving at the airport, flying on the planes, spending nights in hotels, site seeing and trying new foods. From the age of 97 he experienced many “first” traveling experiences and was blessed and privileged to visit many places. One vivid memory that he often spoke about was stepping into the Pacific Ocean for the first time and going out into the ocean on a boat. Although Papa was not a swimmer, he was not afraid and had a great time. He often said he was experiencing and seeing things that he never dreamed he would see in his lifetime. He was very grateful and thankful to God for allowing him to experience Him in so many different ways. Elder Smith’s advice when asked what was the secret to his long life: He always loved God and
Elder’s last few weeks were spent with him being attended to by his family and caregivers. His special sister-in-law, Sis. May Bell Walker, spent time singing to him. The Agape family surrounded him every Lord’s Day with singing, praying, speaking encouragement, and expressing thankfulness for him. He loved being surrounded by family and friends.
order of service P r o c e ss i o n a l “ Ev e r y Pra i s e ”
o ffi c i a nt Bishop Robert Smith To t a l O u t r e a c h f o r C h r i s t M i n i s t r i e s
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Little Rock
o l d t e s ta m e n t s c r i pt u r e Pa s t o r B o b D a v i s New Legacy Community Church
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DeSoto
n e w T e s ta m e n t S c r i pt u r e Apostle LC Alexander El Shaddai World Outreach Center
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Ft. Worth
P r ay e r Pa s t o r J e f f Pa r k e r H o u s e o f Pra y e r Wo rd O u t rea c h Ce n t e r | D a l l a s
s e l ect i o n "Battlefield" Fe l l o w s h i p B a p t i s t C h u rc h o f O a k C l i ff
order of service w o r ds fr o m th e p u lp it R e s o lu t i o n s S o lo "It Is Well" Caleb Sean McCampbell
D e d i cat i o n s Jennifer Givens, Carolyn Smith, Luther Jones, Sharon Moore, Greg Steele, Gabrielle Steele, Chemille Benton
S o lo “A m a z i n g G r a c e � Carolyn Martin
E u lo g y Pa s t o r Fe l t o n B e n t o n A g a p e Fe l l o w s h i p C h r i s t i a n Ce n t e r
F i n a l V i e w i n g / r ec e ss i o n "He'll Welcome Me"
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DeSoto
I believe my dad’s life has covered my mine. I am so thankful to God for blessing me with a dad who know how to show unconditional love and who was blessed with Godly wisdom. His life was one of working hard and perseverance. He understood the value of education, entrepreneurship, prayer, faith, commitment to Christ, giving, wisdom and he had the gift of persuasion. All the Godly character traits my dad had, I believe, have influenced and shaped my life. These generational blessings are being passed on to my children and grandchildren. I pray we never lose sight of who we are in Christ and who Christ is in us! He always demonstrated unconditional love and support to me and my family. Even though were times that he did not completely agree with our decisions, he was faithful in supporting us. He spoke the truth in love and always had an opinion about everything. I am very grateful to God and to my father for the legacy of Godly character traits that are being passed on. Because of my dad’s life, my children and grandchildren were able to honor his wishes. He never wanted to go to a nursing home. Instead he was able to peaceably transition at his home. I am grateful to God for my father and the legacy Godly character traits that are being passed on thru my generation and the generations to come. I give thanks to God, my heavenly Father for giving me my father for 66 years.
I first came to know him as Mr. D.V. Smith. He was a very well known around the town and communities of Strong, Arkansas. Husband, father, deacon, business owner, bus driver, singer, leader in the community, and one who was well known to always stand for the rights of others. Not only was he known to speak up for others, he was also equally known to be a strong support of those who were struggling financially. I came to know this first hand. There are many stories that will always resonate in my mind and memories. I am grateful for him choosing me to be the husband to his daughter, Brenda. I am thankful for all of your love and support, but most importantly, I am so grateful for him being a true example of a Godly man. He was supported and yet chastised with love, who thinks about the future and makes plans, knowing that the Lord orders your steps. God Bless Your Bones, FLB
my dad
We were blessed to have a grandfather who finds strength in faith. One who held on to hope with both hands and gave love with all his heart. You have handed down such important values just by living what you believed. Your faithful guidance was one of the greatest blessings in my life and I am so thankful for you always. xoxo, Chemille
You could swear Pappa received a PhD in counseling and management. Even though it may have appeared that he was napping or not paying you any attention, he was much like God – nothing got passed him. Thank you for your guidance, your love, your encouragement. Thank you for always remaining God-centered, Christ-focused, Lover of God and man, but most importantly – a faithful and loyal friend. We thank the Lord for a Godly example you have left us. One of our fondest memories is when we were at Disney World this past Christmas. We were sitting down to eat breakfast, and when he found out we were leaving the next day to return home, he threw his fork down and exclaimed, “BUT WHY?!?!”
Love ya, Greg & Mekeisha
Your life was a tremendous reflection of what a life hidden in Christ looked like. Don and I are both grateful to the Lord for the impact you had on our lives. We are the better because of YOU! Love ya Suga Lump, Don & DeAnna Papa, you awarded me with the honor of growing up with an extra dad. On days when daddy was unable to pick me up from school, you were there, spare change in hand, ready for our daily stop at the corner store. And then when Zoe came along, served as her teacher, her friend, her napping buddy, and you assured me that everything was going to be alright, and that you didn’t plan on leaving the earth till you heard her talking. Thank you for keeping your promise. Love you forever, Feleceia
our grandfather
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 You have seen a lot of changes in this world, Pappa, but one change you will never see is the way we feel about you. You have spoiled each and everyone of us in our own special way. You sacrificed your life in Arkansas to be the extra eyes and ears for our parents. You have loved and corrected us; supported and encouraged us. You were at all the games, the plays, the dance recitals and track meets. You faced many challenges and overcame many circumstances and because of your example, we will continue to stand and withstand; always ready to face whatever challenges are ahead. We were so glad to have experienced a lot of “firsts” with you. We will heed your advice, your voice, and stay on this “straight and narrow path that leads to life.” Love you always: Joy, Gavin, Cerra, Gabrielle, Gabriel, Don Jr. and Zoe
POST DEC
2017
our greatgrandfather
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
George Walker Jr. Jonathan Walker Kevin Moore Nathan Moore Floyd Green III LaRoderick Wilson Titian Edwards Judah Bell Dwight Shaw
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Don Williams Sr. Greg Steele Gavin Steele Gabriel Steele Don Williams Jr. Frankie Wilson Jr.
ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO: Black & Funeral 2517 E. Dallas,
INTERMENT
Service: Monday at 9:30 DFW National Cemetary 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy Dallas, TX 75211
REPASS
The Corner Theater 211 E Pleasant Run Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115
Clark Home Illinois Ave. TX 75216
ELDER DV SMITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Make checks payable to Turning Point Christian Academy, or visit tpcawarriors.com
PROGRAM BY:
zoesayshello.com