Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Sister Janie Smith was born and reared in Bastrop LA. She confessed Christ at an early age and grew up in the Evergreen # 1 Missionary Baptist Church. In October of 1952 Sister Smith joined the St. Mary C.M.E. Church where her faithful membership remained for 70 years, where Rev. Diane Neal serves as pastor. Sister Smith had served as a Sunday School Teacher for over fifty years, president/vice president of the Missionary Society and the Stewardess Board, vacation bible school teacher, Christian Youth Fellowship sponsor and teacher and held many other local, district and annual conference positions in the C.M.E church. Sister Smith was still teaching Sunday school virtually in 2021 when her health began to decline. Prior to her passing, she was the oldest living member of St. Mary C.M.E temple at age 93. Sister Smith graduated from the Morehouse Parish Training School (high school) in 1947. She graduated from Grambling College, now Grambling State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She completed further studies at Grambling State University, Northeast Louisiana State University (now the University of Louisiana at Monroe) and Louisiana Tech University. She was a charter member of the Bastrop Chapter of the National Association of University Women, where she served as vice president and secretary for many years. Sister Smith was married to the late Flemming Smith, a master plumber, for forty-three years. To this union four children were reared, Doris Marie Smith Belton (retired elementary school teacher), Sharon Rose Smith (deceased), Dr. Raife F. Smith II, (retired university professor) and Kymberly Y. Smith Bradford, licensed counselor (Robert). She has 5 grandchildren (Rise Jackson (deceased), Duane Belton, Trent Belton (deceased), Kory Smith, and Krystal Bradford, 6 great grandchildren (Brittany Curtis, Diamond Jackson, Amarissa Belton, Duane Belton, Jr., Tyler Belton, and Robin Belton), 2 God children and 2 great-great grandchildren (Dorian Randle and Kamarian Williams), a brother Charles Lee (Laquitta) and sister Martha Bell Crowley. She was preceded in death by her husband Flemming Smith, parents Rosa Johnson Lee and Louise Lee, sister Delia Mae Lee, brother Rev. Emmett Lee, daughter Sharon Rose Smith, Aunt Inell Minnieweather. (She and her Aunt Inell were the same age and were raised like sisters), sisters Jessie Mae Lee, Georgia Mae Lee Jefferson, Virginia Lee Ventress, Bertie Lee Lodge, and brother Louis Lee, Jr., Sister Smith taught in the public-school systems of Caddo and Morehouse parishes for a total of 40 years, retiring in May of 1990. During her academic tenure she served in many capacities. She has been a member of Order of Eastern Star Faith Chapel #5 and #197 respectively for a total of 64 years. She served as Associate Matron for over 20 years and Worthy Matron for 4 years. She also served as chaplain and as a member of the Trustee committee. Sister Smith was a member of the Monroe District #5 Higher Degree Courts and Temples of the Order of Eastern Star. Sister Smith has also served in many capacities at the Grand Department Level of Deborah Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and the Star of Hope Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star. Sister Smith was a charter member of the Bastrop Branch. She assisted the Bastrop Crisis Ministry for many years before they closed. Her Motto: To God be the glory for the things he has done. Funeral services are Saturday July 1, 2023 at 11am at St. Mary C.M.E. Temple 1107 W. Madison Ave. in Bastrop LA.