Evine Smith, Sr.

Evine Smith, Sr. was born in Bellville, Texas to Eddie Smith, Sr. and Annie (Osborne) Smith on January 4, 1931. He was one of twelve children. Along with his family, he later moved to Houston, Texas, where he me the former Minnie Ola Barnes, who became his wife in 1951. He then enlisted in the United States Army, from which he received an Honorable Discharge in 1956. To this union, eight children were born – three boys and five girls. Evine Smith, Sr. attended Greater New Hope Baptist Church, where he accepted Christ. On January 4, 1994, he was baptized under Presiding Pastor Herman L. Prince, and he continued under the current Presiding Pastor Donald R. Dickson. He served as an usher and was a member of the Brotherhood. On March 28, 2018, Evine Smith, Sr. departed this life and went to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters, Brenda Joyce Barnes and Juliet (Barnes) Bankston; and eight of his eleven siblings: Eddie Smith, Jr., Matilda Clemons, Robert Smith, Atherlene Monroe, Teautha Frazier, Louisa Gray, Lonnie C. Smith, and Willie Mae Williams. He is survived by his wife, Minnie Ola Smith; three sons: Evine Smith, Jr. (Elena), Derrick Dwayne Smith, and Ervin Ray Smith; three daughters: Gwendolyn Jane Maples (Michael), Gail Denise Woods (Amos), and Joyce Evelyn Overton (Richard); three siblings: Herbert Smith, Theda Joseph, and Grace Nickerson; twenty-four grandchildren; forty-one great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.