Idella Mims

Idella Mims was called to her eternal home by our Savior on Tuesday, March 2, 2011. Idella Jackson was born in St. Louis, Missouri to John Will and Lula Jackson. She was the third of six siblings, five of whom preceded her in death.

Idella graduated from Vashon High School and later The Culinary Institute of St. Louis, MO. She moved to Chicago where she worked as a cook.

In the 1951, Idella saw a poster for jobs working at the shipyards in Portland, Oregon and decided it was time for a change, so she moved to Portland and got the job she wanted. On her first day in Portland, she was walking in the downtown area and met a man by the name of Joseph Smith. On July 3, 1953, Idella married Joseph Charles Smith, from this union two children were born, Audrey, (who preceded her in death) and Joseph Jr.

Idella was a faithful member of Allen Temple Church under the leadership of Reverend James Smith. She was a member of the usher board and enjoyed cooking for any event taking place at the church.

Idella or as she was affectionately known as “Sweets” had a passion for cooking and loved to create a variety of dishes. Her amazing cooking skills landed her a job with Dales Catering where she worked for more than thirty years. She was very involved in her community and her door was always opened to her family and friends. Idella loved the company of others and enjoyed sharing her talents in the kitchen with anyone with an appetite for good food and enjoyed socializing. She found great satisfaction collecting clothes and sharing them anyone in need. A member of the Eastern Star, Idella loved dressing up and going out on the town.

Idella leaves to cherish her memory, her son: Joseph Smith Jr., daughter-in-law: Rosalind Hughes-Smith, one sister: Verlane Davis (St. Louis, MO), five grandchildren: Reba Strickland (Portland, OR), Lori Brown (Vallejo, CA), Curtis Reese (Oakland, CA), Byron Reese (Akron, OH), and Bryant Reese (Akron, OH) and a host of great, great-great and great-great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.