Zeola Smith

SMITH, Ms. Zeola - Age 74, passed away Wednesday March 23, 2016 at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital. Family hour 10:00AM Saturday April 2, 2016 at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church 250 Fisher St., with funeral service commencing at 11:00AM. Pastor Billy D. Allen, officiating. Interment Perry Mount Park Cemetery, 878 N. Perry St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10AM Saturday. Mrs. Smith will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., and may be viewed from 1-8:00PM Friday. Mrs. Zeola Desiree Smith was born September 6, 1941 in Armorel, Arkansas to the late James and Angenora Henderson. She departed this life on March 23, 2016 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Throughout her educational journey she attended the Armorel School System. In the early 1960’s Zeola relocated to Pontiac, Michigan. At a young age, Zeola confessed Christ Jesus as her Savior and Lord under the Pastorate of the late Pastor Beck. She was an active, faithful member of the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Armorel, Arkansas. Upon moving to Pontiac, Michigan she united with the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Alvin Hawkins. She continued to serve under the present Pastor, The Reverend Billy D. Allen, until her health failed. The capacities that she served in over the years were chairperson of the Culinary Ministry, President of the Nurses Guild, Chairperson of the Contact Committee, a vibrant member of the Mission Ministry, the Adult Choir, and Secretary of her Sunday School Class. Often she would be the first person to arrive at church. She could be found sitting in the parking lot patiently waiting for the doors of the church to be opened. Untiringly she attended Sunday School, Bible Study and all phases of Christian Education. Her Support to the Youth Ministry was second to none. Zeola’s life was indeed a devotion to God, her family, church and friends. Her love and encouragement was endless. She exemplified the true meaning of love in action. To know her was to witness God at work in the life of a human being. Zeola enjoyed cooking, spending time with family and friends and watching her favorite soap operas. Zeola leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter and best friend, Lashette S. Smith; siblings, Dezzie B. Henderson, Jessie M. Bell, Cleotha Robinson, Pastor Harold (Leola) Henderson, Eddie B. (Louise) Henderson, Robert (Palestine) Henderson, Edward G. Henderson, Lynn I. Henderson; special aunt, Zeola Bell; special sister-in-law and caregiver, Louise Henderson; godson, Robert Penermon; two goddaughters, Mary Johnson and Martha Bullock; loving sisters in the Lord, Tea Rose Garrett, Vesa Cooper, Evelyn Whren, Pastor Billy D. and Sister Allen and the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church Family; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Zeola was preceded in death by her devoted husband, John H. Smith; parents, James and Angenora Henderson; siblings, Aretha Henderson, Leroy Henderson, Albert Henderson, Vera Moss, Johnnie Robinson and Pinkie Bonds. Zeola will be inexpressibly missed. She is gone from our presence but never from our hearts.

Zeola Smith

September 6, 1941 - March 23, 2016