Velma Marie Smith

Velma Marie Smith was born on March 26, 1926 to Robert and Susie Wooten of Kelly, Louisiana. She was the 13th of 13 children. She was educated in the Kelly public school district. Velma was reared and nurtured in a Christian family home with her brothers and sisters -Reva Wooten, Emmitt Wooten, Aaron Wooten, Robert Wooten, Marco Wooten, Equla Wooten, Caltin Wooten, Whalen Wooten, Wilbert Wooten, Sylvia Wooten, Claree Wooten, and Ola Wooten which all proceeded her in death. Velma was saved and baptized at an early age. She later moved to California where she met and married the Rev. Murdock D. Smith, Sr. Life was prosperous so they moved to Gary, Indiana, Tylertown, Mississippi and later God moved them to Houston, TX in 1967. Velma was a member of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of her late husband Rev. Murdock D. Smith, Sr. By God’s divine will she moved her membership to New Beginning Community Baptist Church under the leadership of her son Rev. Murdock Smith, Jr. Velma worked briefly for the Houston Independent School District. Velma was a very dedicated member working in various ministries of the church until her health deteriorated. She leaves warm memories, love and concern for her children –Murdock (JoAnn) Smith, Yvonne Smith, Lexie Elmore, Daisy Smith, and Godsons Rev. Dr. Tellis J. Chapman, Rev. Bernard Ginn, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.