Samuel Smith

Samuel Lee Smith was born on August 21, 1946 in Greenville, MS, the fifth of six children to the late Jimmie Sr., and Dora Love Smith. In 1953, Jimmie and Dora Smith moved to Chicago, IL. Samuel attended and graduated from Wendall Phillips High School in the Summer of 1964. Samuel was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Dora; his two brothers, Jimmie, Jr., and Bennie; and his sisters Dorothy Smith and Shirley Smith Clark.

On July 22, 1968 Samuel Lee and Glenda Elaine were united in marriage and to this union were born three daughters: Renia Yvette, Sandra Denise and Shantay Lorette. In July 1976, Samuel, Glenda, and their daughters moved to Houston, Texas. In February 1977, they joined and accepted Christ at Straight Life M.B.C. under the leadership of the late Pastor Charles Carter, Sr. Samuel was ordained and served in the office of a Deacon for seven years. In May 1984, Samuel, Glenda, and their daughters became members of Bethany M.B.C under the leadership of the late Pastor L.B. Brown. In July 1984, Samuel was called into ministry and began preaching the Word of God. On May 19, 1989, Samuel was called and began to led Bethany M.B.C. as Pastor where he served faithfully and fervently until August 1, 2010. While Pastoring he created the Helping Hands Ministry because he believed in meeting the needs of the family. He taught, lived and demonstrated love to all. He instituted the expression, “I love you,” said whenever we greeted one another coming and going. His ministry extended way beyond the membership as Pastor Smith was known to visit, pray for, counsel or funeralize members outside of the Bethany family.

Samuel also worked and retired from the Coca Cola Food Division while pastoring. He re-entered the workforce because he loved meeting people and never met a stranger.

Samuel’s greatest love besides God and His people was his family! He believed in family making sure every need was met.

On Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 7:19am, Samuel went home to be with the Lord forever.

He leaves to cherish his wife of 54 years Glenda Elaine and his three daughters, Renia, Sandra and Shantay. He entrusts the family to his four grandsons Arttemus Jr. (Elveshia), Artavian, Ashton (Sherrell) and Jonathan. He was so grateful for his third generation Avaya Denise, Avion Alique and Averianna Rae’Lynn. He is survived by his eldest sister Gracie Ellis, Nieces and Nephews of Chicago, IL; and his In-Laws: Phillip Comeaux Jr., Tony Comeaux (Tony, Jr and LaRecia), Jerry Elam, Gail Wyatt (Darius and Ashley), Calvin McGowen (Natasha, Latoria and Calvin), a host of family and friends.