Ida Lee Smith

Miss Ida Lee Bell was born Tuesday, July 4, 1939 to the parentage of Mr. and Mrs. Perry (Maggie "Mollie" Lee Stewart) Bell, Sr. in Chilton, Falls County, Texas. She was the middle child and only girl of 3 children. Ida Lee became a disciple of Christ in August, 1948 at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Waco, McLennan County, Texas, under the pastorate of the late Rev. L.H Handsborough.

I’ Lee graduated A.J Moore High School on May 31, 1955, at the age of 15, along with her oldest brother, Perry Bell, Jr.

On Saturday, December 14, 1956, Miss Ida Lee Bell united in holy matrimony to Mr. Billy Smith at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Rev. L.H. Handsborough officiated the ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Smith became the proud parents of 5 children, 2 boys, Darrell Wayne and Gerald Keith and 3 girls, Sherry Lynn, Sandra Elaine, known as Punkin and Sheila Deneen, who preceded her in death.

I’ Lee moved to Fort Worth, Texas in February, 1959, two months after the birth of her oldest daughter, Sherry. She became of member of Elm Grove Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas, under the pastorate of the late Rev. L.J Jenkins. I’ Lee then became a member of Berea Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Hoise Bell. Like her mother, Sis. Smith was a deaconesses and became an associate minister's wife. From Berea, Ida and husband, Billy, became the Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Tennessee Colony in 1990, where Pastor Smith & Sis Smith served over 20 years. In 1995 Pastor Smith & Sis. Smith also serviced as members at St. John Baptist Church, Grand Prairie, Texas, Reverend Denny Davis while pastoring at New Hope. After retiring from New Hope, Rev. and Sis. Smith became full time associate pastor at SJBC as faithful and loyal member until the declination of her health.

Ida was employed at TCJC, now TCC and also worked for Sears, like her father did in Waco. She was a very talented cook, the skills that she inherited from her mother and, was a great conversationalist.

She truly loved her family and always loved being around her family and friends. She will be incredibly missed.

I’ Lee has fought a long battle with heart disease and the Lord has finally put her restfully in Peace on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Maggie Bell, her youngest brother, Hurk Lee Bell, her youngest daughter, Sheila Deneen Smith, and oldest grandson, Keric Lynn Phillips.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 63 years, Rev. Billy Smith, 2 sons, Darrell and Gerald Smith. Two daughters, Sherry (Darren) Rigsby and Sandra (Maurice) Middleton. 5 grandsons, Michael Korey Phillips, Maurice Middleton II, Gerald Smith II, Geremy Smith, and Jamar Smith. 2 granddaughters, Dwane"Toodie" Seals and Brittani Burks, also 17 Great Grand Babies, one brother, Perry Bell, Jr., 3 sisters-in-law, Zettie Bell, Carolyn Bell, Emma Hall and Alice Brewer. Countless Nieces and Nephews. The family would like to give a Special Thanks to Doctor S. Vignale & Staff, Tender Hearts Home Health, Nurse Rhonda and Robyne Gipson.

DUE TO THE CURRENT CONDITIONS IN OUR COUNTRY THE SERVICE WILL BE FOR FAMILY ONLY.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the SMITH family.