Laura Mary Ann Smith

Today we celebrate the life of Laura Mary Ann Smith, phenomenal and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grand, sister, aunt, and friend, who passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025. Born on April 20, 1928, in Jackson, Mississippi to Willie Moore and Lula Moore.

Laura was an incredibly talented woman who brought immense joy, creativity, and warmth to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. From the age of four, Laura began reciting poems in church.

She professed a strong faith in Jesus Christ at the early age of eight years old and was baptized by the Rev. W. P. Whitfield at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. By 14 years of age, Laura became Supervisor of Children’s Programs at Mt. Calvary.

Laura attended Lanier High School and graduated from Jackson State University, earning a B.S. degree in Home Economics and minor in Vocational Education. Laura matriculated to Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, earning a M.S. degree in Education; additionally, Laura received a Home Economics endorsement from Butler University in Indianapolis and an endorsement from Purdue

University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Laura married Oscar C. Smith in 1952 and to this union two beautiful daughters, Beverly Ann Smith Craig, and Evelyn Shelton were born. She traveled to Europe and several states, as her husband endeavored as a career soldier. Laura joined Greater St. Mark Baptist Church in Indianapolis,

IN in 1957, when the Rev. Alexander Bernard was Senior Pastor. She chaired various programs, such as “Lend a Hand”, which enabled the purchase of 100 song books as well as a kitchen shower to equip the church kitchen. She also taught Sunday School, spearheaded programs for Easter and Children’s Day and served as the Church Pianist for one year at the 1960 Yandes St. location. Her favorite scripture is from Psalms 23, and loves gospels songs—I’ll Fly Away.

As the second female to join the Trustee Board of Greater St. Mark, Laura brought to Pastor Bernard’s attention that the 5502 East 38th Street location was being offered for sale by First Southern Baptist Church. She was the first female Chairperson of Trustees at Greater St. Mark and sponsored

several programs for improvement. Laura led a song book and Bible rally

which resulted in enough song books and Bibles to equip the entire church. Among Laura’s many accomplishments, her keen leadership led to the elimination of nine (9) church lots from a sewer assessment roll resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. Additional parking area was paved,

and security/safety lighting was installed in the building and around the parking lot. Water fountains were installed, and a lawn service company was retained, which greatly improved the exterior church property

appearance.

An Annual Black Heritage Celebration was brought forth to Greater St. Mark by Laura with the blessing of then Pastor, the Rev. Ronald L. Page. Laura also served as a Deaconess, Missionary member, and Trustee, while at St. Mark. She joined Emmanuel Baptist Church (EMBC, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Darryl K. Webster) in 2006 with her husband, Oscar. She was a member of the Women’s Missionary and Bereavement Ministries. She attended Church Sunday School with Sis. Betts being the teacher. She loved to send cards to the sick members and to Praise the Lord.

Laura taught Home Economics for a span of 20 years in Indianapolis Public Schools at Schools 20, 108, and 110. Laura was 1 of 5 charter members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. at Thee Jackson State Univ. In addition, she was a member of the Jacksonian Alumni Club, $1000 Club of Jackson State University,

Heroines of Jericho, Order of the Golden Circle, and Union Chapter No. 1, Order of the Easter Star, where she served as Worthy Matron as well as Grand Queen of Prince Hall Grand Chapter Order of the

Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Indiana.

Laura loved people and strongly believed in helping others and giving in a beneficial way, including articulating her own views. She loved the Lord and believed in doing the right thing. She loved giving

God the Glory for everything she accomplished in life!

As a woman, she was mature and straight-forward. As a wife, she was the consummate friend,

supporter, and companion. As a mother and grandmother, she was gracious,

loving, and revered. As a Christian, she served to please God.

Laura is survived by her daughters, Beverly Smith Craig (spouse:Jesse), Evelyn Shelton (spouse: Winfred), grandchildren LaJoi Robinson (spouse: Isaac), Jesse L. S. Craig, and great-grandchildren

Grace and Titus, and bonus great-grands: Zion and Ike, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dr. Carl and Mrs. Cheryl Brown, and Mr. John T. and Mrs. Jackie Abernathy are Laura’s Blessings from God Play Sons and Daughters. Her husband, Oscar Smith, and grandson, Gabriel Maxmilian Smith

Craig, preceded her in death.