Winifred Smith

On September 23, 1925, Winifred Jones graced this world with her presence, born to Willie R. and Lula Mae Jones. The eldest of three children, she quickly became the cornerstone of her family, nurturing her younger brothers, John and Willie Jr. (affectionately known as "Bob").

Winifred's life was marked by resilience from an early age. After her father’s untimely passing, her mother remarried, bringing eight more children into the family. As the eldest, Winifred was thrust into the role of caregiver and it was in these tender years that she began to walk the path that would define her life—a path of love, sacrifice and devotion. She learned that to be a mother is to give without expecting, to love without conditions, and to guide with a gentle, but firm hand. “Her children rise up and call her blessed,” as Proverbs 31:28 reminds us, and indeed, Winifred embodied this blessing to everyone she touched.

In her early twenties, she met William Henry Smith, the man who would become her life partner. Together, they built a life and a legacy that would endure for generations. Mother Smith, as she became known, raised not only her own 15 children, but also took in three of her younger sisters after the passing of their mother. Her home was a sanctuary, a place where love was abundant, and where she offered care with the same open arms that first cradled her siblings all those years ago. It is said that “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered” (Proverbs 11:25). In the life of Mother Smith, we see this truth manifest—a woman who gave endlessly and in turn received a wealth of love and respect.

Together, Mother Smith and her beloved husband, Bishop William H. Smith, Sr., established a thriving residential cleaning business in the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood, working side by side for over 30 years. But beyond their business, their true calling was to serve the Lord and their community. Founding the Christian Life Center Church of Los Angeles, Mother Smith was not only the First Lady, but the spiritual mother to countless souls. With a voice anointed for praise and hands that healed the sick, she dedicated her life to the service of God. In recognition of their lifelong contributions, she and Bishop Smith were honored by Mayor Tom Bradley and other dignitaries for their impact on the community.

Known for her no-nonsense wisdom, Mother Smith’s words became both a guiding light and a gentle reminder of life's truths. Her famous sayings echoed in the halls of her home and church:

“Right will win every time.”

“There’s a dead cat on the line.”

“Bought sense is the best kind.”

“You can’t do wrong and get by.”

These sayings weren't just clever phrases, they were principles she lived by, teaching everyone around her the value of integrity, perseverance and honesty. Her life was a testament to the belief that “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1).

As we gather to celebrate her incredible journey, we remember that Mother Smith was more than a mother, wife, sister and grandmother many times over, she was a pillar of strength, a beacon of faith and a light to all who knew her. In Matthew 25:21, we are reminded of her heavenly reward: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of the Lord." There is no doubt that these words have already been spoken over her in glory.

Preceded in death by her loving husband Bishop William H. Smith, Sr., and her sons William, Jerry, Kenneth and David, as well as her granddaughters Tamara and Talia, she now joins them in eternal peace. Mother Smith leaves behind a legacy of love and faith through her children Sherelene Denby (AZ), James Earl Jones, Sr. (TX), Wanda Skinner (AZ), Patricia Smith (AZ), Bill Smith (NV), Rita Cleaver (AZ), Claudia Fawcett (AZ), Irene Elsy (AZ), Mark Smith (AZ), Paul Smith (AZ), Sherry Congrave-Wilson (CA), David Whitehurst, Godson (CA), and a family of 105 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

As we bid her farewell, let us remember the love that Mother Smith so freely gave, a love that will continue to bloom in the hearts of her family and friends. Her life was a living sermon, her love a quiet but unwavering force. She taught us all that "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).

Rest in peace, Mother Smith. You have run your race with grace and your reward is surely great. Your legacy will live on in every heart you touched and your love will echo through the generations.