Rev. Lamar Smith's Obituary
Services: will be Held Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Little Hope Baptist Church in Meridian. Burial: Little Hope Cemetery , Visitation will be Held Tuesday April 23, 2019 from 6-7 pm at Berry Gardner Funeral Home 'OP' Chapel.
Mr.Lamar Smith 81, of Toomsuba, Who Died Friday, April 19, 2019 at The Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.Reverend Lamar Smith Jr. was born July 23, 1937 to the union of the late Lamar Smith Sr. and the late Mary Ella Roundtree Smith of Toomsuba, Mississippi. As the baby of the family, he was shown much love by his parents. Lamar confessed faith in Christ in 1949 at which time he united with the Little Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Toomsuba, MS under the leadership of Reverend Finch. After graduating from Stevenson High School in April 1955, he joined the US Army and served honorably for 2 years.
Lamar was blessed of God to find true love. He embraced the words of Proverbs 18:22 which says, “He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing.” On November 20, 1959, he married his soulmate, Emma Bobbie Harris. To this union of 59 years, they were blessed with six wonderful children, who they raised in a Godly home.
Lamar has always been a devoted man when it came to serving God. On January 17,1971, under the leadership of Reverend J.W. Marshall, he was ordained as a deacon and served in this capacity for 17 years until receiving the call to ministry. On February 7, 1988, he was licensed to preach and on March 19, 1989, he was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel, both under the leadership of Reverend Tommie George Robinson.
Reverend Lamar, later in life, decided to begin a pursuit in Theology studies. He first enrolled at Meridian Community College and then transferred to Selma University in Selma, Alabama, where he graduated on May 1, 1998. As a student he was honored with the award, “The Most Faithful Student in Attendance”.
Reverend Lamar was employed by Owen’s Brothers Packing Company and later by Big Star Grocery Store as a Butcher until 1986. Afterwards, he was employed by Southern Cast Steel Company for 17 years as a Fitter until he retired in 1999.
Reverend Lamar was always faithful to his calling. His stewardship and faithfulness were rewarded in 1999, when he became the Assistant Pastor of Little Hope MBC. Additionally, whenever called upon, he served as Interim Pastor to help keep and lead the people of God during the church’s times of need. He has served in this capacity for the past 20 years.
Reverend Lamar, in addition to loving his family and spiritual walk, also absolutely loved talking on his CB radio at home. He is well known by his CB handle, “Bear Cat”. He was also very community minded serving as President of Pleasant Grove Cemetery Committee. He also served on the Board of Advisors for Central MS Health Clinic and Lauderdale County Council for Head Start.
On Good Friday, April 19, 2019 at 5:28 am, while at the Oaks Rehabilitation Center, God dispatched an angel to receive Reverend Lamar Smith, Jr. back to Himself. Reverend Lamar was preceded in death by his daughter, Cassandra Smith; two sisters, Ella Ruth Prince and Archie Mae Richardson; three Brothers, Johnny Smith, Luther Smith and Andy Smith.
Reverend Lamar leaves to cherish his memory: a loving wife, Emma B. Smith of Toomsuba, MS; three daughters, Cynthia (Charlie) Henderson, Gale Barfield of Toomsuba, MS and Trixie (Rex) Hopkins of Meridian, MS; two sons, Maurice (Dorothy) Smith Daleville, MS and Tracy (Angela) Smith Madison, MS; one brother, William Smith of Meridian, MS; seven sister in laws; twenty two grands; twenty nine great grands; one great-great grandson; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
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