Clarice Smith

Clarice grew up in Dallas where she attended church with her mom and siblings at Canada Drive Church of God in Christ. She taught Children’s Church and was active in church activities. She attended Frederick Douglass Elementary, Sequoyah Junior High School, and graduated from Booker T. Washington Technical High School in 1964. After high school graduation, Clarice worked briefly at the U.S. Postal Service.

Clarice was an excellent student which afforded her a four-year scholarship to Huston-Tillotson College/University, a Private University in Austin, Texas. Clarice earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration in May 1968. She later furthered her education by earning a Master’s Degree in Education from Texas Southern University in May 1983.

Clarice’s teaching career and commitment to service began in Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin, and Dallas. Clarice made her last move back to Dallas, and of course, her family was excited. For more than thirty years, she taught Elementary students, in addition to being a Computer Teacher.

Clarice’s love for Christ moved her to join Concord Church (when it was located on Polk Street), where she continued with great enthusiasm. She encouraged her sister to join, and she did. She was a member of the choir until her health failed her.

After retirement, Clarice continued her service as a volunteer at the E. K. Bailey Preaching Conference and Harmony Food Pantry. Her services extended to her college after graduation from Huston-Tillotson International Association where she served as treasurer and secretary for many years. She also served as treasurer for all of her Harris’ Family Reunions.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clad and Marie Smith; her sister, Dorothy J. Hurd; her brother, John Smith Sr.; her brother-in-law, Leo Rayson; her niece, Santosha “Santy” Anderson; her nephews, Tyrone Hurd and Alfred Hurd; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Clarice leaves behind her beloved son, Jared Smith, whom she nicknamed, “Choop;” her sisters, Thelma Anderson (Henry), Betty Smith Rayson, Gwen Patterson (Tim) all of Dallas, TX. and Betty Page of Palm Harbor, FL. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who called her “Aunt Reecy.”