Lunion Smith

Lunion Smith was born June 18, 1929 to Dave Smith, Sr. and Edna Bell Smith in Timpson, Texas. He attended the Rock Hill School in Rusk County and was an active member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Lunion was one of twelve children. Growing up in East Texas is where he learned what work ethics was all about. Having farm animals to care for and harvesting fruit trees and vegetables they planted, was never a dull moment on the Smith Farm.

Lunion “Jack” never met a stranger. He was a compassionate person. If he told you he would do something, he never wavered from his commitment. He had a smile that radiate the room. He loved and enjoyed being around family.

Jack left East Texas for the big city of Houston. After courting for a short period, he married Celestine Hodge on October 10, 1951. Into this union, three daughters were born: Mildred, Carolyn and Wanda. Lunion was a member and Mason of the True Level Lodge. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, fishing and hunting deer, squirrel and rabbit. His favorite pastimes were riding in one of his convertible or hardtop 1965 or 1966 Mustangs and bowling. For all the teams he participated on, he just knew that he would win. Most of the time he did! He was a longtime member of Forest Lawn Missionary Baptist Church and later Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

After relocating to Conroe in 1995, he joined New Testament Baptist Church. Lunion was an active member in the church and his community. In 2002, Lunion was honored with a Roast and Toast Celebration. During a Black History Program at the church, he was crowned “Senior King”. In 2009, he was ordained as a Deacon of New Testament Baptist Church. He was also elected local President of the Kiwanis Organization in Conroe. His participation included The Annual Christmas Parade, Toys for Tots and donating books and reading to elementary students in the afterschool program. Lunion was an outstanding member of a Bowling League, where his team won several Championships. Being faithful and involved was his road map to longevity.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Dave and Edna Bell Smith, four siblings; Mozell Smith, Lucell Smith, Mary Joyce Black and Dave Smith, Jr.

He is survived by the following siblings: Maggie Lee Neal (Dallas, TX), Cora Bell Johnson (Indio, CA), Homer “Bill” Smith (Garrison, TX), Pearlie Williams (James), (Desert Hot Springs, CA), Ruthis Seldon-Lee (Fred), (Cherry Valley, CA), Blanche Hicks (Cherry Valley, CA) and L. Norris Smith (Banning, CA).

He leaves to cherish his memory, a former wife and devoted mother of his children, Celestine Smith of Houston, TX, three loving daughters: Mildred J. Baszile-Nichols (Willie) Houston, TX, Carolyn A. Gibson (George, Deceased) Washington, DC and Wanda G. Samples, Houston, TX. My wonderful Grandchildren includes; Aisha D. Nellis (Mark) Baltimore, MD, Talitha C. Baszile and Dapanion A. Baszile, Houston, TX., my loving great-grandson, Kerwin Nellis, Baltimore, MD., and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.