Mrs. Ella Belle Smith

Ella was educated in Rutherford County, graduating from Holloway High School. She furthered her education by attending Tennessee State A & I. She worked in the Rutherford County School System. In 1958 Bradley Kindergarten was founded by Lillian Hammons. It was operated by Ella Smith and Rebecca Smith. This was one of the first programs for young African-American children ages 4 & 5 in Murfreesboro. The school closed in 1966.

While in Murfreesboro, she united with First Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. William Donelson. Later, Rev. Richard Gordon would become her pastor.

On April 30, 1966 Ella was married to David Smith. Together they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to start their new life. She worked for Mayflower Moving & Transit Company for 15 years before retiring.

Ella united with Christ Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Melvin B. Girton, Sr. Ella was a very sincere and committed servant, assisting Mrs. Laura Girton and multiple ladies activities until her health began to fail.

ELLA BELLE WASHINGTON SMITH transitioned from this earthly life on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Suddenly on January 16, 2017 her brother, John Washington, Jr. also transitioned. They both were preceded in death by their parents and their sister, Dorothy Brown.

She will be missed by her devoted husband of 50 years, David F. Smith; stepchildren, David Pope and Perpetual (Dr. Gerald, Sr.) Williams; step grandchildren, Gerald Jr. and Peyton Williams; devoted goddaughters, Marcia Webster and Jonaya Brown; loving nephew, Loren "Ricky" (Robin) Brown; devoted friend, Dorothy Jackson; special cousin/sister-in-law, Mary Katherine (Archie) Newman; a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.