Pearlene Smith
On Saturday afternoon, April 13, 2013, the Lord dispatched an angel to bring the precious soul of Pearlene Smith to her heavenly home to live with Him eternally. Affectionately called “P” or “Sweet Pea” this “Pearl of the Westside” had spent 105 years on earth (80 of which were in the same location on West Mobile Street).
Her birth on December 31, 1907 to William Smith and Willie Rowell Smith in Western Lauderdale County marked the beginning of a long, beautiful and fulfilling life that witnessed many changes in history. As a devoted daughter, loving sister to seven siblings, caring mother to a son, gracious grandmother to four, admired aunt and cousin to many, neighbor and Christian friend; Pearlene became a living treasure whose memory and experience was often consulted. Reared in the community known as Boddie Place, she attended the local schools, gained valuable life lessons and became a productive citizen.
In 1917, she joined the Bethel M.B. Church and as it’s oldest member, she served in many capacities: member of the first choir, Sunday School teacher, historian and member of boards and forums. Her legacy of Christian love, strength and character will be remembered as well as her stylish dress and fashionable hats. She specifically encouraged the youth to become educated and to attend church.
Pearlene’s notable parenting skills were manifested in the life of her only child, the late Rev. Dr. Bennett Smith and later in the lives of her grandchildren. She nurtured her son as he journeyed from “the red clay hills of Alabama” to the academic halls of Tennessee State University and Colgate School of Divinity.
She supported him by attending revivals, conventions and worship services wherever he preached. During his long and successful pastorate of St. John Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY she was honored as “Mother Smith”. During his presidency of the National Progressive Baptist Convention, she traveled to the Holy Land and other points throughout the world where she was the beloved “Mother Smith” to Rev. Jesse Jackson and other leading Baptist ministers. She never met a stranger, had a warm smile and good conversation for all.
Her involvement in Smith family activities and reunions was exceptional. As matriarch, she offered family history, stories and wisdom to more than six generations. She was also active in the Order of Eastern Star and the Bethune Reading Circle. Her employment spans 65 years ranging from farm worker to TVA to Purity Dairy worker and housekeeper for the Thomas family whose daughter, Sherry, credits her as her guardian angel.
For more than a century, Pearlene Smith was a thoughtful, compassionate, courageous, friendly Christian lady who led an inspiring life in the Florence community. She leaves to mourn her passing, her four grandchildren, Reverend Dr. Terette Smith of Lawrenceville, Ga., Dr. Bennett Smith Jr. (Denise) of Largo, Fla., Lydia Hordges (Glen) of Austell, Ga. and Matthew Smith Sr. (Andrenee) of East Amherst, N.Y.; twelve great-grandchildren; twelve great great grandchildren; and one great great great grandchild; her nephew W. L. Smith; Nieces, Annie Willie Sneed, Anita Cobb, Elnora Ankum, Joyce Johnson, Mattie Carter; a host of nieces and nephews; and the daughter she never had, a special niece, Edna Pearl Stewart.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20 at noon at Bethel M.B. Church on the Gunwaleford Road. Visitation will be on Friday, April 19 from 1-7 p.m. at Saints Funeral Home, Sheffield with the family present from 6-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, request is made to donate to a scholarship fund in her name. Donations may be made to: Smith Scholarship Fund, Bethel M.B. Church, P.O. Box 474, Florence, Alabama 35630.
