The Best of Us
Dad, you know we’ll miss you more Than any words could say But we know that you’re with us Each minute of the day That’s because we carry you Within our mind and heart Our love keeps us together Death cannot make us part You’re living here within us With every selfless deed And when we show compassion Or help a friend in need You’re spirit’s shining through us Each time we rise above And when we take a moment To show our strength with love Those days we act with honor Or share a joyful smile We remind the world that you Have been here the whole while Thank you for your legacy For all you chose to do We hope you know that we know The best of us, is you. Loving you, Your Children
~ Acknowledgements ~
When the load seemed hard to bear, we looked around and our friends were there, with food, flowers, and words spoken, with smiling faces and hearts open. You comforted us and shared our grief. May God bless and keep you, granting all relief. Our gratitude cannot be adequately expressed, but they are the best that we can offer during this period of stress. ~The Smith Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~
Deacon Ministry of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Boys Scouts of America
~ Active Pallbearers ~
Doyle N. Smith Delvonta J.E. Smith Parrish Westbrook
DeWayne M. Smith Derik Smith Greogory Westbrook
~ Military Honors & Committal Rites ~ Wednesday, October 25, 2023 • 1:00 P.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
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Order of Celebration
Life’s Reflections
Today, we come to celebrate our father’s life, Mr. Doyle Maurice Smith, Born February 1, 1940, to the late parents of Mr. Edward (PieMan) Smith and Mrs Ophelia Rayford Smith. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend R. W. Norsworthy. He remained a faithful member under the pastorate of Dr. Rev Harvey B. Jackson, where He served in many capacities. He was a member of the Deacon Ministry, President of the Usher Ministry, Boy Scout Leaders, Turnkey and Building Engineer, Hospitality Culinary Ministry, Picnic Ministry, and Men’s Ministry. As you can see, he held many positions in his church. He would open our Sunday School with Prayer and be affectionately known as the “Praying Deacon”. He would also make the most robust coffee for his fellow coffee drinkers on Sunday morning. He supported the Youth and Young Adult Ministry over the years with their activities, especially by helping to distribute flyers in the neighborhood for Vacation Bible School. He Loves …..to impart his knowledge and wisdom to whoever is willing to listen (or not listen to him), and he has a funny sense of humor (if you listen carefully). However, he may laugh before you do. He loves to joke and tease with you. He graduated from Melrose class of 1958 with several of his church members. He was married to Mrs. Katie Smith for 38 years, and to that union, five children were born: four sons and a precious daughter. Katie preceded him in death. He has done all he does and is still doing while being there for his five kids and his grandkids. His family noted that he was a praying man. He has always encouraged them to pray and lean on the Lord. He served in the Military (Army) and the National Guard. Retired after 25 Years. Doyle was employed by Orgill Brothers and was President of the USWA Local Union 2360 and retired from there after 41 years. He may joke wherever he goes, but he will share some Jesus. Constantly working and sharing the goodness of the Lord. Ready to bring someone into the Kingdom of God. You can say he never met a stranger and was a good friend to all. He was a great father and provider, and He leaves to cherish his memories his son, DeWayne( Deborah), Doyle (Deborah), Delvonta and Derik, Daughter Darlene (Greg), his nine grandkids, and eleven great grand and a special great nephew that he called grandson ( Marterio Williams) that helped him dearly, a special friend, and a special cousin Fannie Layden and a host of relatives and friends. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 11:00 A.M.
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
2634 Carnes Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114 Dr. Rev. Harvey Jackson, Senior Pastor Prelude Processional.......................................The Family of Deacon Doyle M. Smith Musical Selection...................................................................Ms. Alexis Cole “Amazing Grace”
Scripture Reading: The Old Testament.........................................Reverend Nanci Gibson The New Testament....................................Reverend Paula Huntspon
He Only Takes The Best God saw you getting tired. And a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you. And whispered::”Come to me”. With tearful eyes we watched you And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating Hard Working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us. He only takes the best Love Forever Your grandkids
Prayer...................................................................Reverend Paula Huntspon Musical Selection...................................................................Darius Perkins “Recorded Music”
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Leonard Acey - Partner in Crime (Coworker, Friend & Family) Gregory Bryant - Deacon & Church Sandi Westbrook - Grandchild Musical Selection.....................................................................Bradley Glass “Grateful”
Acknowledgements................................................................Rachelle Harris Reading of Obituary.......................................................................Soft Music Eulogy.......................................................................Dr. Rev. Harvey Jackson Recessional