Ernest Talbott Smith

Ernest T. Smith was born October 11, 1941 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Doris Edward Smith and Estella Talbott Smith. He established his relationship with Christ at Friendship Baptist Church. During his membership there, he worked to usher other youth into the Christian faith by serving as the Superintendent of Sunday School.

Ernest was a proud product of the public schools of Jefferson County, Kentucky. After completing Mary B. Talbott Elementary School, he attended Central High School where he graduated with the Class of 1959. He enrolled in Kentucky State University and while there in1962 he was initiated into the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. This was the beginning of his journey in the brotherhood as a life member. In 1964 he graduated from Kentucky State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts. In 1969, he was awarded a fellowship at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. After completing this summer program, he went on to earn a Master of Science degree in 1970 from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.

While attending Kentucky State, Ernest met and was captivated by a fellow student, Gloria Jean Sharpe the love his life. After his graduation, he and Gloria eloped on June 27, 1964 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Later that year, on December 26th, they had a formal wedding at Mount Olive A.M.E. Church in Orlando, Florida, the bride’s hometown. From this union two sons were born, Vincent Paul and Anthony Duane “Tony”.

Ernest began his career as an educator teaching Industrial Arts at Public School 17 in Indianapolis, Indiana where he and Gloria lived for four years. They relocated to Gary, Indiana in1970, where he accepted a position at Hammond Tech High School as the first black dean of students. A career move would later take him to Indiana University Northwest (IUN) in Gary where he served as the Director of General and Technical Studies and as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. During his career, he inspired and challenged many to achieve their educational, personal, and professional goals. After 37 years of dedicated service, Ernest retired in 2005 from IUN.

During his years of living in the Miller area of Gary, Ernest was an active member of St. Community Church. He served as Superintendent of Sunday School, was a member of the Board of Christian Education, a founding member of the Married Couples Ministry, sang in the Men’s choir, and was a member of the October birthday group. His active participation in community activities included coaching Little League baseball and providing leadership as president of the Miller Citizens Corporation (MCC).

Ernest was an avid golfer, tennis player, and traveler. He and Gloria traveled extensively to different parts of the world which included a Mediterranean cruise with family and friends to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

In December 2007, he and Gloria moved to Sugar Land, Texas and became active members of Lakewood Church, Houston. They opened their hearts and home as Southwest Region Life Group Leaders. Ernest’s commitment to loving and serving people was only surpassed by his commitment to loving and serving God. He made his transition to be with Jesus on March 1, 2017.

Ernest leaves to cherish his memory: Gloria, his loving and devoted wife of 52 years; two sons, Vincent Paul (Lauren) Smith of Essex Falls, NJ and Anthony Duane “Tony” Smith of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Connor Reed Smith, Morgan Elise Smith, and special granddaughter, Lexxus Macias; two sisters, Mildred Ellen (Jimmy) Winston of Oak Park, MI and Yolanda J. Smith of Southfield, MI; aunt, Juanita Smith of Louisville, KY; brother-in -law, Sampson (Altrina) Sharpe, Jr. of Tampa,FL; nephew, Eric Winston; nieces, Teisha (Quentin) Sims and Sielecas Sharpe; cousin, Delores Smith; special daughters, Yarva Bryant, Sherry Huffman, Tonia Oden, and Krista Williams; special sons, Darnel Boynton and Jamel Cecilio; godsons, Mason (Bahiyyah) Bryant, Terry Bryant, Steven (Yarva) Bryant, and Nathan Sayles; goddaughters, Reedlyn D. Bryant, Oma Igahalo, and Gloria Guy; loving extended family, Beverly Bryant, Gerald & Nina Graham, Charlie & Jeanetta Nelms, Nathaniel & Dixie Sayles, and Ronald & Shirlee Smith; first Texas adult friends, Dwight & Dorothy Pitt; and a host of loving relatives and friends.