Funeral info:
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
12:00 O' clock Noon
Bethlehem Baptist Church
2177 W. Usher Street
Covington, Georgia 30014
Rev. H. K. Benton, Jr., Pastor, Presiding
Bishop Dantae Smith, Eulogist
Deacon James Thomas Smith
Our journey in life begins at birth. The journey for Deacon James Thomas Smith began January 17, 1938, to the parentage of Mr. Johnny B. and Mrs. Mattie Benton Smith of Newton County, Georgia. He was the youngest boy of ten siblings. James was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Norris and Willie Hue; and his sister, Ellene Weaver.
James, as he was affectionately called, attended school in Leguinn, Starsville, Georgia. Raised in a Christian home, he proudly proclaimed the Lord as his Savior on the second Friday in August at a revival. He joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church at the age of seven and was faithful; serving in many capacities of the church, especially in his role as a Deacon. James was a member of Friendship Lodge #20 for over fifty one years and earned his Gold Card.
He was employed at Lithonia Lighting for twenty-five years and for over sixty years at Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home.
Deacon Smith was a quiet, unasuming person, who loved a quick getaway to the Waffle House with Prince, The Depot with Renee, and Stevi B's, with his surrogate son "Fred".
In 1958, he was United in Holy Matrimony with Mrs. Gracie Mae Cunningham, and to this union, three children were born.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Gracie Mae Smith; two sons, Mr. Mickey Jerome Smith and Mr. Michael (Mary) Smith; one daughter Mr. & Mrs. Kerry (Cheryl) Cobb; nine grandchildren; eleven great- grandchildren; siblings, Mrs. Abulah Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene (Shirley A.) Jones, Mrs. Louise Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Johnny (Gloria) Strong, Rev. & Mrs. Norman (Dorothy) Smith and Deacon Onree Smith; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Eva J. Tuggle, Mrs. Mary Smith; brothers-in-law, Mr. Leotha Cunningham, Mr. Charles Cunningham and Mr. Jerry Cunningham; a very special daughter-in-law, Ms. Shelia Ann Latimore Smith; devoted friends, Dea. Sam and Mrs. Bessie Kelly; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
