Rev. Willie Eugene Smith

The summer of 1932 was a joyous season for Wallace and Jimmie Smith because on July 28 of that year their son, Willie Eugene, was born. The impact of the birth of the seventh child to this family was wide spread in Alto, Texas, but short lived due to the family relocating to Houston. Willie's educational development, after relocation, began at Crawford Elementary School and continued through Phillis Wheatley High School. His post-secondary study was at the Houston Community College. He served in our country's military as a member of the United States Army. In his early adulthood, Willie accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Upon this foundation, he developed a broadened knowledge and insight into the Holy Scriptures. As he developed in his christian walk, he served in various positions in the church until God called him to the highest position of minister. In 1952, Willie met and united in Holy matrimony with Barbara Jean Hall, a union which was parted, after 55 years, only by his death. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Edward (Garnetta), daughter, Chantay; grandchildren, Cedric and Jacynth; great grandchild, Jacyntria; brothers, Jake (Mattie), Rev. Samuel H. Sr, (Silver), Bishop John L. (Laura); niece-daughter, Etta Caprice Smith Moton; god-children, Tameka Thomas, Jenni Smith, and Loreal Smith; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special family friend Brenda Taylor.