- Collection:
- Atlanta Funeral Programs Collection
- Title:
- Celebrating the Life of Deacon Lewis Melvin Smith, Saturday, May 27, 2017, 11:00 AM, Christians For Change Baptist Church, 2110 Bethsaida Road, Riverdale, Georgia 30296, Rev. Dr. Michael Wayne Baldwin, Officiating
- Date of Original:
- 2017-05-27
- Subject:
- African American men--Georgia--Riverdale--History--20th century
African Americans--Funeral customs and rites--Georgia--Riverdale--History--20th century
Funeral rites and ceremonies--Georgia--Riverdale---History--20th century
Funeral service--Georgia--Riverdale--History--20th century
Mourning customs--Georgia--Riverdale--History--20th century
African Americans--Georgia--Riverdale--Genealogy - Location:
- United States, Georgia, Clayton County, Riverdale, 33.57261, -84.41326
- Medium:
- church records
programs (documents)
records (documents) - Type:
- Text
- Format:
- application/pdf
- Description:
- Funeral program for Lewis Melvin Smith. Birth date: (not recorded). Death date: (not recorded). Funeral date: May 27, 2017. Church: Christians for Change Baptist Church (Riverdale, Ga.). The Atlanta Funeral Programs Collection is a project of the Digital Library of Georgia in association with the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History as part of Georgia HomePLACE. The project is supported with federal LSTA funds administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Georgia Public Library Service, a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
- Local Identifier:
- Folder number: 448
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:aarl_afpc_smithlewismelvin20170527
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:aarl_afpc_smithlewismelvin20170527
- Language:
- eng
- Extent:
- 4 pages
- Holding Institution:
- Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History
- Rights:
-
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cWsTORY
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4
What is the measure of a man? Would you say th~t he was measured by his physical stature alone?
Well if that were the case how would you account for Lewis Melvin Smith who only stood 5'10" but to
many, at times, he stood ten feet tall. He was a marriage counselor, a business adviser, the family's
guide to real estate, a confidant to many who sought him, and an outstanding role model as a man,
husband and father and he never even finished high school. He was known to men and women from
all socio-economic backgrounds that were either already or later became leaders in the corporate
world. No need to name names - you know who you are (and, he has carried your secrets to his
grave).
Born and raised in College Park, GA to Susie Smith, Lewis grew into the man we all knew and loved. He was affectionately known as "Head", "Big Mike", or L.M. Because of his strong work ethic and his dedication to his family, his church, community and friends, men within the community of "Collie Pauk" looked up to him- often in amazement. During his life he worked for several companies which included Big Apple Warehouse and Atlanta Auto Auction.
After becoming a husband- marrying his high school sweetheart (the late Georgia Mae Yancey) and becoming a father, L.M. became an entrepreneur; plastering houses throughout greater Atlanta. As his family got larger so did his dream of owning his own home. And in 1975 Head's dream came true when he purchased his home.
As most of you know Mike's second love was golf. And like the rest of his life, when he loved something he gave it all he had. Golf was more than a hobby it was his passion. He won several trophies over the years. And he infused others with his love for the game.
Deacon Smith loved God with all his heart. Given the opportunity he loved leading the prayer. His ministry as a deacon began at Friendship Baptist Church of College Park and ended in stellar service at Christians For Change Baptist Church of Riverdale, GA, where he served faithfully until his health diminished. He enjoyed listening to the Word being preached and when he really gave his stamp of approval the congregation would hear him say "well.... well, well!"
And now he's received his promotion to Heaven. Preceding him in death are his mother Susie Smith Washington; his eldest son Bernard Lewis Smith; and his beloved wife of "just 62 years" Georgia Mae Yancey Smith. Left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are: his daughter Brenda Dianne Smith of Atlanta, GA; son Gregory Smith of Atlanta, GA; son Grayling Eric Smith (Debbi) of Smyrna, GA; and daughter-in-love Venice Diane Pettaway (Arthur). Grandchildren: Conan McGough; Demetrius M. Smith (Stephanie) of Murfreesboro, TN; Daryle Ashurst; Tamika Kenny; Damita Jennings (Brent); Gregory Bernard Smith "Lil Greg"; Moses Smith; and granddaughter-in-love Tracey Etichison (Kerry); 9 great grandchildren; 13 God-children; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
We would all like to paraphrase from the Bible and say, "This was our beloved Daddy in whom we were well pleased"!
Organ Prelude.....................................................................................................Maurice Burney Procession Opening Prayer of Comfort......................................................................Reverend Michael A. Smith Selection.....................................................................................Christians For Change Male Choir Scripture Readings
Old Testament.....Joshua 24:15..............................................Reverend Emmanuel Rainey Old Testament....Psalm 90:10....................................................Reverend LeRoy Jackson Remarks (3 minutes, please)
Jerome Miller, Church Son Alvin Ransom, Golfing
Stacy Strozier, 1st Cousin Walt Rainey, Childhood Friend Selection.....................................................................................Christians For Change Male Choir Deacon's Resolution......................................................................................Deacon Will L. Grimes Obituary Reading (Silently) Music ................... ........................................................... ...Reverend Brenton & Mrs. Kristiana Cox Eulogy..................................................................................... ............Pastor Michael W. Baldwin Acknowledgements................................................................................Deaconess Shirley Ransom Special Song....................................... ... ........................... "We're Marching, Marching Up To Zion" Postlude
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South View Cemetery 1990 Jonesboro Road, SE
Atlanta, GA 30315
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John Wesley Cox Family Life Center 2110 Bethsaida Road Riverdale, GA 30296
(tAS PART OF MY NEW DJET I'M NOW
GOLFING fVERY DAY..... MY DOCTOR TOLD ME TO LAY OFF / THE TEE AND LIVE ON GREENS AS
MUCH AS POSSIBLE .1 ,.,
Deaconess'of Christians For Change
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1315 Gus Thornhill, Jr. Drive East Point, GA 30344
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4848 Old National Highway, Suite B
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CollegePaJ:il<, G'A 30337
(404) 684- 444
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