Lady Evelyn Delores Smith

Evelyn Delores Smith was born in Los Angeles, CA to the union of Richard and Corine Nevels on March 25th. She was the seventh of nine children. Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Johnny, Robert, twins, Ralph and Raymond; and one sister, Vivian Marilyn; two grandchildren, Kristen Lorielle, and Chane Patrick (CJ) Smith, Jr.

Evelyn received her formative education in Los Angeles and graduated from Manual Arts High School. During High School, she formed an on-campus popular gospel group. Some of its members included Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis and the late First Lady Betty Ealy. Upon graduation she attended evening classes at Metropolitan Junior College of Business and Los Angeles City College. While in college she met Pat Sango and joined the Missionette Gospel Singers. The Missionette’s were comprised of individuals from various denominations and Evelyn was instrumental in members receiving the baptism in the Holy Ghost.

Evelyn began her employment in Junior High School working six days a week as a mother’s helper until graduation from High School. She then worked on various secretarial jobs including employment with the Federal Government. In 1968, Evelyn was employed by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. She began as a stenographer and then an Eligibility Interviewer. She was later promoted to Acting Assistant Manager and Tenant Relations Assistant. She retired in 1998 after 30 years of service.

During Vacation Bible School, Evelyn accepted Christ at the tender age of 11 at the Full Gospel Church pastored by Sis. Belluchi. Young Evelyn and her family attended Traveler’s Rest Church of God in Christ pastored by the late Elder L. B. Burkley. She began directing the choir at age 13. Having no pianist, Evelyn asked God to anoint her with the ability to play the piano. He did just that! An amazing, heaven-directed, on-the-job training unfolded as she immediately began to play the piano. Not only was she anointed as a pianist, but also a lead and solo vocalist. Her siblings will always remember the relentless hours of practice until she could sing every part. She also went on her first three day fast (no food or liquids) in the 7th grade.

Evelyn became a member of Shackelford Miracle Temple (SMT) in May of 1960 under the leadership of Pastor and Founder, Dad William Shackelford. She joined as a teenager upon the approval of her former Pastor, Elder L. B. Burkley of Traveler’s Rest Church of God in Christ. She joined the choir immediately and was appointed pianist in 1961. Although a teenager, she became the choir directress. In 1962, she was asked to take over the Junior Choir in which an overwhelming amount of children wanted to participate. Evelyn did not want to reject anyone so she divided the children into age groups and simultaneously formed the Shackelford Choir. She remained faithful, and met the challenge of directing and, also, playing for the choirs at their inception. She served as Senior Choir Directress, now known as the Sanctuary Choir from 1961 – 1989. She directed the Shackelford Choir from 1962 – 1992. Evelyn served faithfully as pianist for 35 years (from 1960 – 1995) and was the driving force in the Music Department for 50 years.

Evelyn and Charles met at SMT as teenagers working in the music department. As friends, she aided Charles in his quest of becoming a pianist. Approximately three years later, Evelyn said she realized cupid shot his arrow as Charles drove her home from church. During this drive home, she suddenly had to grab the steering wheel and her arm accidentally touched his chest. Although no words were spoken, she knew there was a love connection. Apparently, he felt the same way because in September 1964 he popped the question. Evelyn told him she would pray about it. The following month she said “Yes”, and eight months later Charles and Evelyn became one. Charles (Honey) and Evelyn were married on Father’s Day June 20, 1965 immediately following morning service. To this union, six children were born; Evelyn, Charyce, Charles III, Christa, and twins, Chane and Chawn. Throughout her pregnancy, she dedicated each of her children to the Lord and anointed her stomach while taking communion.

Evelyn served in many capacities as a member of SMT. In addition to her service in the Music Department, she served simultaneously in the Junior Church (now known as the Youth Department), first as a member and Assistant Junior Church Mother. She later became the Junior Church Mother. She served as the Sunshine Band President, as well as Purity Class and Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) presidents. She was a member of the Pastor’s Aide and Young People’s Union. She also served as Sunday School Teacher. Evelyn was the glue that held the Usher Board together for five years following the resignation of the President.

Evelyn’s zeal for music and her faith in God motivated her throughout her life to remain dedicated. She never required compensation for her labor in the church. Even though it was a promise that never came to fruition, she continued to devote her efforts to the Lord. Her tenacity and devotion paid off, not in silver and gold, but through her children. Evelyn passed the torch of music and ministry to her children and her grandchildren. Not only is the family, including her children’s spouses, multi-talented in singing and playing instruments, they are phenomenal preachers, teachers, prayer warriors, praise leaders, worshippers and organizers. They are also faithful and dedicated members. All of the Glory belongs to God!

In addition to her work at SMT, Evelyn was a member of the Southern California State Youth Choir under the direction of the late “Mama” Pearline Ford. She served as Assistant Directress and one of the lead singers. The choir traveled throughout the United States and had the awesome opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York. Yes, Evelyn was down front where she electrified the audience. She, along with her husband, were members of the Southern California Young Adult Choir under the leadership of Elder Alvin Gridiron and the late Sister Alice Kelly for 17 years. More of her accolades included being part of choirs with Gospel greats such as, Pastors Andre and Sandra Crouch, Billy Preston, and DJ Rogers. The Smith’s were also members of the 900 voice choir, directed by Joe Westmoreland. This choir was organized to sing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra under Director Zubin Mesa.

Evelyn blessed the hearts of many people and was known for singing “Walk Around Heaven” and sang this song for over 50 years. The Lord anointed her to sing and when she sang, the heavens opened. Chains were broken and yokes were destroyed under the power of the Almighty God. Evelyn and Charles sang trio with their eldest daughter Evelyn, Jr. Their children were musically inclined and played several instruments. They also taught their children harmony and encouraged them to lead songs, form groups, and minister around the city of Los Angeles. Christa, Chane, and Chawn held concerts in the living room with their neighbors as invited guests. The concerts were a replica of the Southern California Young Adult Choir’s concert, microphones, drums, an organ, a piano, and horns included. Evelyn enjoyed her children singing and taught them to be humble and thank the Lord when they received praises for their gifts.

Evelyn was also gifted to write plays, her most famous, “And They Call Me Sister Love” was showcased during the State Young Adult Choir concerts. Evelyn performed this play around the city and most recently during a stage production at SMT. Her plays were very comical, and oftentimes you would laugh until you cried, but the content was thought provoking.

Evelyn was a strong and courageous woman of faith. Not only did she walk by faith, but she was a living epistle. The Lord granted Charles and Evelyn with their specific requests for six children and blessed them with three boys, three girls, and a set of twins within the six. They promised to give the children back to Him for service if He answered their prayers. The children were taught how to pray, love God, respect and honor Him, and always give Him glory for their many blessings. The children later discovered Evelyn and Charles would hold hands and pray for God’s protection over them as they left and returned home.

Evelyn loved her family and cooked a hot breakfast every morning. She also cooked dinner every night until the children began to help cook after school. Her children were able to have breakfast, of their choice, in bed on their birthdays. She would also cook their favorite meal and dessert for dinner. The special occasion meals were also extended to her grandchildren and served annually until her passing. Evelyn cooked Sunday dinner and would love to sit around the table, laugh, and talk with her children and grandchildren. She would regularly bake seven up cakes, but on holidays, her sweet potato pies were in demand. She would even ship pies to Chuckie (her eldest son) and his family in Texas. Although she needed the assistance of a wheelchair, she was persistent about cooking Sunday dinner before she attended morning service. She would say, “I may be hopping but I’m not stopping”. By the way, Evelyn and Charles ate off the same plate/platter for over 49 years and very seldom ate full meals without each other.

There were so many of life’s lessons Evelyn brought to her children and those who knew her. She was loving and non-judgmental. She would always see the positive in every situation and challenged you to let God work it out. She was often called the eternal optimist. Even if a person was dead wrong, she would find some way to bring hope. Evelyn would never hold your shortcomings against you and treated you as if nothing ever happened. She held many secrets and would not divulge the private conversations with anyone. Her children would have to give her permission to discuss their personal business with their siblings. Evelyn was a trusted friend and encourager. No matter how bad life seemed to be at the moment, she always used wisdom and spoke words that changed your life.

In 1993, Charles P. Smith was appointed Pastor and Lady Evelyn became First Lady of SMT. She did not sit back and relax. Being the tenacious lady she was, she established the Women’s Conference/Women’s Weekend. She was instrumental in creating “This Is Your Day”, recognizing laypeople for their faithfulness and many years of service. She also established Friday Night Intercessory Prayer, and for many years led our Building and/or Improvement Fund Project. Lastly, she enjoyed cooking for the saints each Wednesday night before Bible Study.

After 18 years of faithful and dedicated service, and much prayer, they elected to pass the mantle to Pastor Chane P. Smith, Sr., and his loving wife, First Lady April Smith, opting to enjoy the fruits of their labor! Thank God for the Holy Ghost!

Lady Evelyn leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved and faithful husband of 49 years, Pastor Emeritus Charles P. Smith; children, Evelyn Lynch (Courtney), Charyce Kingsberry (Keith), Charles III (Dawnea), Christa, and twins Chane (April) and Chawn; grandsons, Nicholas, Julian, Sam, and Malachi Smith, and Aaron Rodgers; granddaughters, Lauren Rodgers, Esjire Lynch, Scarlett Smith, and Savannah Kingsberry; sisters, Gloria A. Lowe, Barbara L. Wilson, and Venera M. Wright (Charles); brother -in-law, Billy R. Lowe, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Lillian Nevels and Veronica Everett (Jeff); a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, god-children, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gates Kingsley Gates Praiswater Mortuary, Canoga Park, Ca.