Evangelist Mother Willie Hazel Duke-Smith

Evangelist (Mother) Willie Hazel Duke-Smith was horn on Sept. 8th, 1925 in Lynnville, TN, Giles County. She was the second child of Prince Albert Duke and Zelma Minnie Anna (Gordon) Duke. Hazel was born premature. The midwife warned that she may not live, but she survived. She was as small as a teacup.

As a young child, she professed her hope in Jesus Christ at the age of 7. She sat on the front pew, known as the mourner bench at her family church. She was filled with the Holy Spirit. Her family was faithful and dedicated members of the 'Waco Primitive Baptist Church in Lynnville Tennessee. In her 40's, she was caned to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and was ordained at that time. In the Missionary Baptist Church, she did revivals, prayer services, laid hands on the sick, and many recovered from illnesses under the Power of Jesus Christ.

When entering the church, she would dance in the spirit from the back to the front and dance all around during the service under the power of the Holy Ghost. One of her favorite books in the bible is; Psalms 91

She attended Round Hill school in Lynnville, Tennessee and then Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Indiana where she was trained in catering. She volunteered at the YMCA on Indiana Avenue often. She received a certificate in practical nursing, and certification from the local Red Cross. She helped the local neighborhoods with her skills in first aide, bible study, and counseling.

The Evangelist visited many local nursing homes and hospitals. Her brother, Elder Dan Duke, had weekly prayer meetings and they did foot washings and mission work together at times. The Family worked together at the True Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church doing prayers breakfasts, and midnight New Year's services called watch meetings. She had a very strong deliverance ministry of healing the sick and casting out evil spirits by the power of Jesus Christ. While in her calling, she reached higher levels of ministry. She loved and enjoyed the saints of God, sharing in the belief of the sanctifying power of baptism with Fire, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

She was a member of the Mt. Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, and Golden Rule Missionary Baptist Church where her husband was the senior pastor and the President of the Indianapolis Baptist Ministers Alliance as well as a member of the Ministers Foresight. During her senior years, the evangelist joined The Temple of Believer's Deliverance Church before entering Westminster nursing home, were many of the aides and nurses began to call her "Grandma" In her life, the Evangelist enjoyed being a Pastors wife and mother. Hazel worked with the PTA.

She sewed clothing, learned furniture upholstery work, and cooked in many local restaurants. Her last employment before retirement was at Butler University, where she worked with the house mother.

Her grand children was her life and the apple of her eye. She babysat lovingly and also enjoyed having her oldest grandson with her daily. Willie Hazel Smith met and married Letcher Vincent (deceased). From that marriage, Melvin L. Vinson (Gina) was born, Hazel's second husband was Jordan Benjamin Braden Jr. (deceased). From that union, Caroline Ann Braden-(Morris) was born. Hazel then met and married the late Rev. Murphy Smith. From that union, Janice Velma (Smith) Strader (Eugene Jr.) was born.

Four years ago her health declined and she told her family it was time for her to go into an assisted living facility. Hazel then was moved into Westminster Village North Nursing Home. She told her family it was a clean place and she felt grateful being in the program. Preceded in death was ( baby) daughter Murphy May Smith, her Brother's Robert Duke, Deacon Kenneth Duke, Deacon Jim Duke, Elder Dan Duke.

Willie Hazel Smith leaves behind 3 children all license in Ministry. A brother, Luther M. Duke a sister, Evangelist Doris A. Grant ( George) Grant, sister in law Eunice R. Duke (Elder Dan Duke) as well as 9 grandchildren and a 13 great-grandchildren, with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.The visitation is Friday, July 14, 2016, 11am - 12pm, with the Homegoing Celebration at 12pm in New Season C.O.G.I.C., 5402 Brookville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana. The interment will immediately follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.