MILDRED BEST SMITH
Mildred Best Smith, "Ma Mildred", 97, of 1853 Tommy's Road, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 26, 2005, at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Smith was born in Wayne County on October 14, 1907 to the late Bryant Best Sr. and Priscilla Thompson Best, and was predeceased by her husband, Earl Smith Sr., daughter, Ruby Smith Wilkerson, and one grandson, Kelvin L. Thompson.
Mrs. Smith began her education at Spring Bank Elementary School in Wayne County and graduated from Dillard High School in 1930. She led an exceptionally full life with her church, community, and civic organization. She was a pioneer and beloved member of Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 85 years, where she was an usher and served on the Mother's Board for 65 years.
She was a woman of remarkable faith and strength, mild spirited with the smile of an angel, and Best Grove's oldest mother and church member. She was a charter member of the Best Grove Floral Club; Pastor's Aide Club, Missionary Circle, Program Committee, Best Grove Extension Homemaker's Club, and the Best Grove Chapter No. 568 Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Smith was also one of the founders of the Wayne County Curb Market.
A celebration of life service will be held 12 p.m. Monday, May 30, 2005 at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Joe A. Jackson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Old Mill Cemetery.
A viewing will be held today from 1 until 5:30 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Chapel.
The family will receive friends Sunday, May 29, 2005, from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and other times at the home.
She is survived by three sons, Marion Smith and wife, Martha, Clarence Smith, and Earl Smith Jr. and wife, Lillian; three daughters, Doris Thompson, Shirley Suggs, and Melba Uzzell and husband, J.P.; one sister, Canarie B. Spruill; 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on May 29, 2005 8:54 AM