Celebration of Life for Mother Frances Reid Smith "Mother Dear", 02/13/1914-11/07/2008, Saturday, November 15, 2008, 1:00 p.m., Bethsaida Baptist Church, 853 Fourth Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083, Reverend Timothy Depp, Pastor, Bethsaida Baptist Church, Pastor and Eulogist, Reverend Woodson Morris, Pastor, Philadelphia Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga., Presiding Minister

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Bethsaida Mother's Ministry

Mother Lucille Brown

Mother Janie Rector

Mother Mae Freeman

Mother Mattie Kemp

Mother Velma Richardson

Mother Rosetta Trawink

Greg Hearns Clayton Kemp Gregory Sutton

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Nephews

Gary Reed Brian Reid Willie C. Sutton

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The passing of Mother Frances Reid Smith has brought to us the realization and appreciation of what it truly means to have friends . The opportunities of knowing that people cam be so kind and helpful is easing the pain of our loss. It gives us
comfort and strength to face the days ahead. Every prayer, visit, flower, card, thought or act of kindness shown was deeply appreciated. We shall never forget.
---Humbly submitted by the Family---
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Love Lives On Those we love remain with us for love itselflives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they'lllive on in the heart.

Final Arrangements Entrusted To:
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South DeKalb Chapel 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, Ga. 30034 (404) 241-5656

Avondale-Scottdale Chapel 351 North Clarendon Avenue
Scottdale, Ga. 30079 (404) 294-5500

Gwinnett Chapel 914 Scenic Highway Lawrenceville, Ga. 30045
(770) 338-5558

Prelude

Processional

Selection...............................................................................Bethsaida Mass Choir

Scripture Readings



Old Testament. ....................................................Reverend George Smith

Associate Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church

New Testament................................................Reverend Carlos Whitfield
Associate Pastor, Bethsaida Baptist Church

Prayer ...................................................................Reverend Orla Parker
Pastor, Saint Paul A.ME. Church, Stone Mountain
Selection...............................................................................Bethsaida Mass Choir

Remarks................................................................Reverend Woodson Morris

Selection...............................................................................Bethsaida Mass Choir

Obituary Read Silently

Selection..............................................................................................Aven Kinsler

Eulogy.....................................................................Reverend Timothy Depp
Pastor, Bethsaida Baptist Church
Acknowledgements...........................................Gregory B. Levett & Sons Staff

Benediction

Recessional

Postlude

Interment Stone Mountarn C1ty Cemetery
922 Main Street Stone Mountain, Georgia

Repast Bethsaida Baptist Church
853 Fourth Street Stone Mountain, Georgia

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Mother Frances Reid Smith (Mother Dear), was born on February 13, 1914 in Stone Mountain, (Dekalb, County) Georgia. She was the oldest of ten children born to Mitchell Reid and Rosa Butler Reid, both of whom preceded her in death. Seven of her siblings also preceded her in death, Janie Mae Reid Fanning, Jessie Mitchell Reid Kemp, James Douglas Reid, Annie Beatrice Reid Sutton, Josie Lee Reid Harper, Oscar Joe Reid, and Charlie William Reid. They grew up in a home of love, understanding and compassion. Being the oldest child, she was like the second mother to her brothers and sisters. They all called her Mother Dear.
She grew up from infant to adult attending the Bethsaida Baptist Church with her parents and other relatives. Therefore she was introduced to Christ at an early age and maintained a relationship throughout her life. She confessed her belief in God at the age of nine and united with the church. She was baptized under the pastorate of the late Rev. Henry H. Woodson. She was a faithful and dedicated member until her health failed. During her lifetime at Bethsaida she served the church faithfully and willingly. She dedicated her time to many worthwhile endeavors such as the Mother Ministry, Sunday School, and Bible Study. She also served as hospitality, pastor's aide and floral chairperson, under the leadership of the late Rev. W. T. Durden. She was a very devoted person serving and involving herself in many church activities. She would always answer the call and tried to do whatever she could for the betterment of the church. She was also a member of Club 21, a club that was started by a group of women from the community churches. She served as a secretary of the club. She was also a member of the Stone Mountain Civic Club.
She attended Stone Mountain Elementary School and Avondale Negro High School in Scottdale, (Dekalb, County), Georgia. In those days her transportation was not free and her distance was not short but she was a survivor.
Mother Smith was united in holy matrimony to John R. Smith, who preceded her in death. This union was blessed with three wonderful children, Robert, Betty and W. J. Peter. She made sure that they were cared for in every way possible. She also tried to instill good principles and modeled good behavior for them to live by. She was a full-time house wife but would occasionally do domestic work. Her mother-in-law started her children to referring to her as Mother Dear, because she was Mama Emma, and her mother, (Mamma Rosa) was Mamma to her children and siblings. Other relatives and friends also started calling her Mother Dear. She and her husband also were concerned about their neighbors and friends. They would often visit the sick and shut in and offer their services.
On Friday, November 7, 2008, approximately 3:55pm, God dispatched one of His swiftest angels to bring Mother Frances Smith to her eternal home. She departed her earthly life peacefully. Her daughter by her side, whispered in her ear, "I love you".
Mother Frances Smith leaves to cherish her many loving and wonderful memories: her children, Robert Smith, Betty Smith and W.J. Peter Smith; her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mary Joyce Smith; six (6) grandchildren, twelve (12) great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rufus Reid and Willie A. Reid; three sisters-in-law, Edith C. Reid, Louise Reid, and Christine Reid. Memories of her will forever be in the hearts of her devoted and caring children, grandchildren great-grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins friends and acquaintances.