~Obituary ~
Johnnie E. Smith
was born July 9, 1938 in Holly Springs, Mississippi to the late Ezzie Smith. He was the 6th out of 7 children. His sisters Delcenia Lawshe, Lola Harrison, and brother, James Smith preceded him in death. After blessing him with 77 years on earth, God called him home on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Daddy surrendered his life to Christ as a child and remained a devout Christian until his death. At an early age he became a member of St. Paul C.M.E Church, Holly Springs, MS and later joined Greenwood C.M.E. Church in Memphis, TN. He taught Sunday School and Men Bible Study. He served as Chairman of the Steward Board from 1990 – 2000. His Lord said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21
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Daddy attended Rosenwald High School where he was the salutatorian of his senior class in 1957. He furthered his education at University of Cincinnati, University of Mississippi, and The University of Memphis and received his B.S. in Mathematics & Science from his Alma Mater, Rust College. He received a football scholarship that assisted him in funding his education. Daddy married Lee Etta DeBerry on December 3, 1957. To this union two children were born Shonda Michelle and Tiffany Lesha. He also helped to rear his step-children Barry Cornell and Gregory Maurice DeBerry who preceded him in death. Daddy taught Math or Science for (four) Memphis City Schools for over 30 years before retiring. He served as an Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, and Track Coach for this school district. He also taught at Byers High School in Mississippi and Wonder Jr. High, in Arkansas. Daddy had a passion for Rust College, politics, gardening, fishing, and golfing. You would find him at some point of his life doing one of them. He served as Memphis Rust College Alumni President from 1998 -2016. Daddy’s honors included: State of Tennessee Senate Resolution #4 Football Excellence, Nominated for Rust College’s Alumni of the Year , Distinguished Service Award-Memphis City School (1998), and was awarded Coach of the Year for three years. In recent years, he received the UNCF Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. Daddy’s legacy lives through his children: Larry Alexander, Atlean Rankins (Larry), Lorra Isom (Charles), Johnny Anderson (Sharon), Derrian Smith (Alesha), Shonda Lott (Roderick), Tiffany Reed (Thurman), Angela Cathey, and Marco Cathey. Daddy’s memory is cherished by his 34 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, his sisters and brothers; Frank Smith (Sadie), Naomi White, and Dorothy Jean Johnson, one sister-in-law, Arristine Smith. Johnnie E. Smith will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and students.
~Celebration Service ~ Saturday, May 21, 2016 • 10:00 A.M.
Greenwood C.M.E. Church
3311 Kimball Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38111 Pastor Bethel L. Harris, Jr.
Elder E. L. Perry
~Officiating~
~Presiding~
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Prelude ~Presiding Prelate~ Processional Call to Worship........................................................Reverend Bethel L. Harris, Jr. Selection.................................................................................Voices of Greenwood Prayer of Consolation.............................................................Elder Roderick Lott Gethsemane Garden, COGIC
Scripture: Old Testament.......................................................Pastor Robert McClain Rising Star M.B. Church
Gloria Patri New Testament .....................................................Pastor Robert McClain Rising Star M.B. Church
Selection.................................................................................Voices of Greenwood
Obituary
(Read Silently)
Words of Comfort.......................................Superintendent Clinton Charles Bryant
Expressions:
Gethsemane Garden, COGIC
(2 minutes)
Steward Board............................................Mrs. Glensie Golden Family..................................Mr. Ray Smith & Mr. Shuntez Davis Friend................................................................Mr. O. D. Adams Memphis Rust College Alumni..........................Mr. Raleigh Redd International Rust College Alumni................Mrs. Oreler Murray Acknowledgements................................................................. Mr. Larry Alexander Solo........................................................................Mrs. Cequita McKinnley Gilles Eulogy..........................................................................Pastor Bethel L. Harris, Jr. Selection.......................................Recessional.......................Mr. Jordan M. Smith
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God laid for me, I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that place at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah, yes these things, I too, will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full. I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now. He set me free.
Johnnie Smith: The Man: Our Dad
The way you stood, tall and proud and tall like a tree. Your laid back style, quiet and slow. The way you promoted education and family history. The way you argued passionately for the things and people in Which you belived. Your loyalty to Rust College and Greenwood Church The never ending love you showed to your mother. The unbreakable bond you shared with Aunt Jean. Your hard work ethic. The slow long methodical conversations. The funny stories. The way you brought your children together in love But most of all, that big bright smile! We love you! We will remember!
Lorra
Acknowledgements The family of Johnnie Elton Smith wishes to express our
grateful appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown to us. Your calls, visits, cards, prayers, flowers, and other expressions of concern will always be remembered.
Flower Bearers
Ushers, Family, and Friends
Honorary Pallbearers
The Men’s Sunday School Class of Greenwood CME Frank Smith Larry Alexander Johnny Anderson Derrian Smith Marco Cathey
Active Pallbearers
Ray Smith Ronald Smith Vincent Smith Reginald Smith Michael Smith Jarvis Harrison Javian Smith Jarvis Smith
Interment
Charity Hill Cemetery Lake Center, MS
Repast
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church 2519 Higdon Road Holly Springs, MS 38635 Arrangements & Professional Service By:
J. F. Brittenum and Son Funeral Home 125 Memphis Street, Holly Springs, MS (662) 252-2341 “Because We Care”
Romans 8: 38 We remain comforted in the promise of God’s word that “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus Our Lord.”
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