Berline Brown Smith was born August 11, 1931 in East St. Louis, St. Clair County, Illinois to Casey and Cora Cheshier Brown. She was the third of six children and was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Frank, Charles and Horace Brown, late husband Herbert L. Smith, Sr., friend, Joe C. Hill, and grandson Dontez Smith.
Berline, affectionately known as “Peaches”, accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Augustine Catholic Church in East St. Louis, IL. She was a woman of great faith, who knew and loved the Lord; He was the source of her inspiration.
Peaches received her formal education in the public school in District 189 in the St. Clair County School System. After graduation, she began her career with Civil Service as a key punch operator in nearby St. Louis, MO. Her tenure with Civil Service transferred her to several locations, including Indianapolis, IN and Riverhead, NY.
In 1971, Peaches put her career on the back burner, she retired from Civil Service to raise her precious gifts from God, seven beautiful children, whom she loved, adored and devoted her entire life. She wore many hats, mother, father, friend, teacher and entrepreneur. She often created and managed small business ventures; she owned and operated a confectionary store, sold both Beeline clothing, Amway products, and occasionally jewelry. In the community she never met a stranger. She became a mother to many; her doors were always open to lend a helping hand or encouraging word. She was an active member at Leslie Bates Davis Neighborhood House; she served as the Treasurer for many years. She strived to empower individuals and families to move out of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. She was an activist for equality and voting rights; she provided transportation for neighbors to register to vote and to get to the voting polls on Election Day. She was a supporter of the Pop Miles Boxing Clubs, allowing her home to be a safe haven for kids to keep them out of the streets and trouble.
Peaches continued her education; she attended State Community College of East Saint Louis and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 1975-1979. She received an associate degree in 1980 from State Community College, East Saint Louis, IL.
Mother Berline devoted her life to serving God until she was physically unable to; she displayed and rendered unconditionally love to everyone she encountered. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and studying the word of God diligently. She was an original member of World-Wide Fellowship Ministries (est. 1998); she served as Treasurer and Secretary. She was vigilant in spreading the good news of Christ. Weekly, she prepared Sunday school lessons electronically and sent them via email. Her favorite salutation was, “I am blessed and highly favored of the Lord!” If you ever visited her in the nursing home, she would often be found reading or listening to God’s word. She utilized her gift to minister the word of God to staff and residents where she resided. She took part in monthly Communion as long as she was able, under the administration of her son and Pastor, Tommy Smith Sr., until her passing.
Sunday morning, April 8, 2018, Peaches answered the ultimate call and accepted God’s invitation to her heavenly home. She leaves to cherish her memories: Seven children – Joyce Daugherty (Norman) of Cincinnati, OH, Herbert Smith, Jr. of Belleville, IL, Emmanuel Smith (Sunye) of Colorado Springs, CO, Christopher Smith (Cynthia) of Charlotte, NC, Darryl Watson (Myeshia) of Louisville, KY, Pastor Tommy Smith, Sr. (Arlean) of Normandy, MO, Catherine Brooks (David) of Colorado Springs, CO; 22 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two sisters - Etta Brown Hicks of Swansea, IL and Katie Brown Bennett of Marietta, GA; and a host of other relatives and friends.
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