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Life’s Reflections
n January 8, 1945, Mrs. Essie Mae and Mr. McKinley Barr announced the birth of their first child, Cathelia Ann. Their new daughter was the first of four children, two girls and two boys. During her early years, Cathelia was showered with much love and affection. She attended Porter Elementary School and Porter Junior High School, and received spiritual teaching from Metropolitan Baptist Church. Cathelia attended Booker T. Washington High School where she flourished academically and was popular among her classmates. She was a member of the debate team and the Junior Red Cross Council. An astute scholar and a member of the National Honor Society, Cathelia demonstrated a strong interest in leadership and was an elected member of the student council. She was also a member of the Deb-Teens. Although she was studious and highly engaged in school activities, Cathelia also enjoyed spending time with friends and attending social events. Eventually, she caught the eye of a charming young man, Lacey Smith, and the two attended prom together. She graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1962 and ranked third in her class. With an unwavering commitment to education, Cathelia matriculated at LeMoyne College, where she pledged the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in December 1963. During her college years, she attended a prestigious Summer Exchange Program at Harvard University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from LeMoyne in May 1966. Cathelia began her professional career as a public school mathematics teacher at Lincoln Jr. High and shortly after married her long-time boyfriend, Lacey, in June of 1971. Lacey supported his new wife throughout her career and encouraged her to pursue new opportunities, which led her to integrate the faculty of Hillcrest High School, where she was an exceptional math teacher. After several years as an educator, she bravely ventured into the innovative and new field of computer programming at Olivetti Corporation, where she remained until the company closed. She then transitioned into a leadership position at South Central Bell, and her final career transition led her to Federal Express, where she retired in 2007.
Cathelia began her professional career as a public school mathematics teacher at Lincoln Jr. High and shortly after married her long-time boyfriend, Lacey, in June of 1971. Lacey supported his new wife throughout her career and encouraged her to pursue new opportunities, which led her to integrate the faculty of Hillcrest High School, where she was an exceptional math teacher. After several years as an educator, she bravely ventured into the innovative and new field of computer programming at Olivetti Corporation, where she remained until the company closed. She then transitioned into a leadership position at South Central Bell, and her final career transition led her to Federal Express, where she retired in 2007. During their 50 years of marriage, Cathelia and Lacey raised three children: a stepson, a daughter, and bonus son. She fellowshipped with friends and family at Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church Westwood. All of those close to Cathelia are keenly aware of her passion for words and wordsmith activities. She relished in solving tough crossword puzzles and was a brutal and unrelenting Scrabble opponent. An avid reader, she enjoyed romance and mystery novels and never passed up an opportunity to catch up on her favorite television game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Perry Mason and Murder She Wrote were two of her favorite mystery shows. Cathelia was a fast talker with an honest tongue. While she did not mince words with family and friends, she did shower them with warm southern hospitality and was more than happy to welcome friends with her delicious, comfort cooking. Cathelia lived a fulfilled life with her family. At the time of her death, she was the faithful widow of her beloved high school sweetheart and husband, Lacey. She leaves to cherish fond memories, her loving daughter Stephanie Smith and bonus son Bobby Smith II, one brother, Larry (Esther) Barr, one sister, Barbara (Barry) Somerville, and a host of loving family members and friends. Her connections of love through Lacey include: brother-in-law Bobby (Blanche) Smith I and sisters-inlaw, Terri (Anthony) Holmes and Kathleen Monday. Cathelia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lacey Smith, Jr., her stepson Tony Smith, and her brother Robert (Barbara) Barr.
C
herished Memories
Together Again...
Order of Celebration Friday, October 27, 2023 11:00 A.M.
Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church 620 Parkrose Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38109 Pastor Melvin D. Watkins, Jr., Officiating
Musical Prelude Processional Scripture Readings: The Old Testament.....................................................................................................Pastor Conway The New Testament....................................................................................................Dr. Ella Mosby Musical Selection................................................................................................Mt. Vernon Music Ministry Words of Comfort......................................................................................................Dr. Reginald Porter, Sr. Prayer of Encouragement...........................................................................................Ms. Horizine Jackson Acknowledgements.....................................................................................Mrs. Stephanie Faulkner-Griffin Musical Selection................................................................................................Mt. Vernon Music Ministry
Remembering Mrs. Cathelia Ann Barr Smith (Respectfully, Three Minutes)
Classmate - Mr. John White Friend of the Family - Mrs. Alice Thompson Family Member - Mrs. Millicent Shotwell Musical Selection................................................................................................Mt. Vernon Music Ministry Eulogy.............................................................................................................Pastor Melvin D. Watkins, Jr. Recessional
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
~ Acknowledgements ~
The family of Mrs. Cathelia Ann Barr Smith offers our sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness extended during the illness and homegoing of our loved one. Your thoughtfulness and expression of love strengthen us. We appreciate your continued prayers and encouragement. May God bless you with abundance and grace and keep you in His care. Special thank you to the wonderful caregivers; “Lo” & “TT”.
~The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~ Mr. Cedric Barr Mr. Marvel Taylor Mr. Bobby Smith, I Mr. Bobby Smth, II
~ Active Pallbearers ~ Mr. Kitrick Tabor Mr. Ronald Shotwell Mr. James Edward Hil Mr. Eddie Chevis Mr. Dante Smith Mr. Bobby Smith, Jr.
~ Interment & Committal~ Historic Elmwood Cemetery 724 S. Dudley Memphis, Tennessee 38104
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