In Loving Memory
Leslie Johnson
♪ Celebration of Life ♫
Lady Evelyn Delores Smith
Saturday , August 2, 2015 11:30 am
Love and Unity Christian Fellowship
1840 S. Wilmington, Compton, Ca. 90220
Apostle Ron C. Hill, Host Pastor
Officiant:
Chane P. Smith Sr., Senior Pastor
Shackelford Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ
♪ Program ♫
Celebrating the life of “Lady Evelyn”
Moderator: Eld. Chawn Smith
Prelude- Musicians
Processional- Clergy and Family
Invocation- Pastor Ray Hawkins
Old Testament Reading-Superintendent Emmanuel Collins
New Testament Reading-Pastor Larry Lakey
Musical Selection- Yolanda Jordan
Remarks
Childhood Friend- Ms. Mae O. Myart
Church Family- Mother Albertine Wade (Church Mother, Shackelford Miracle Temple C.O.G.I.C.)
Choral Selection- Shackelford Miracle Temple and Friends
Remarks
Clergy, District, Jurisdictional and National Representation -
Bishop and Mrs. Leon Martin (Love Peace and Happiness Family Christian Fellowship Church)
Dr. and Mrs. Rueben Anderson (West Angeles District)
Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis (Assistant General Supervisor/Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women C.O.G.I.C.)
Bishop Joe L. Ealy (So. California First Jurisdiction C.O.G.I.C.)
Choral Selection- Shackelford Miracle Temple and Friends
Remarks
The Smith Family
Lady’s Grandchildren
Lady’s Children
Acknowledgment of cards and Resolutions- Deborah Collins
Obituary- Gloria Lowe
Sermonic Selection- Evangelist Christa Smith
Message of Comfort-Chane P. Smith Sr. (Senior Pastor, Shackelford Miracle Temple C.O.G.I.C)
Parting View
Recessional
Mama, If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, I Lady, Thank you for coming to all of my school programs. I looked
would walk right up to heaven to bring you home again. for your smile to comfort me because of all the faces watching made
No farewell words were spoken – no time to say goodbye, you me nervous inside. Thank you for never putting me on your bad
were gone before I knew it and only God knows why. list. I want to come to heaven to see you because I miss you! I miss
My heart still aches in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it you! I miss you! I love you Lady! See you later alligator, after while
meant to lose you, no one will ever know. chocolate child!
-Love Charyce -Love, Vanna Poo
Love you Mom! From Keith Lady, Samuel here, you were one of the best grandmothers any one
could ask for. You disciplined us and helped raised us well. I’m proud
To the world’s best Mother, You were consistent role model of to say that I have no regrets with you passing on because I did right
strength, courage, and endurance. Rest in Jesus’ arms and accept by you. I love you. And just wait on me Lady, I’m going to meet you
your eternal reward. in heaven too.
-Love you always, -I love you Lady, Samuel
Your Baby “B” Chawn I love you Lady, Scarlet
To Mommy, My role model. The woman I’ve always admired and Hey Pady Lady, Favorite grandchild here, I’m glad I was able to tell
wanted to be like. You are my star and I’m going to miss your you I love you and give you flowers well before you left us. Thank
presence, your singing, your voice, your compassion, hugs and you for helping to mold me into the wonderful young lady that I am
kisses, your phone calls, text messages, cooking with you, and most today. You will be greatly missed and loved. See you later alligator,
of all the love of God in you. Thank you so much for always being after while crocodile.
there for me. I love you always and I will see you again.
-Love Esjire
-Babygirl/Kris/Crika – Christa
Hi Mom #2, you were and will always be the best grandmother in the
Mama, To the first woman I ever loved. I remember telling you I whole wide world. Even though you are not with us it comforting to
loved you more than I loved God. You told me I should love God know that you are with Jesus. Thank you for all of the things that
over everything. Thanks for being that Godly example. you have done for me.
-Love you, Chuck a luck!!! -Love you and see you later
Malachi (Deputy Thomas)
Thank you Mama for loving my children and myself as your own.
We love you immeasurably! Hey Lady! I just wanna say I love you so much. You took care of me
and were a big part of making me the young man I am today. You
-Love Dawnea will always be in my heart and I will never forget you. You are
truly one of the best grandmas anyone could ever have. You were an
Mom, You were the best example of a wife, mother, grandmother, inspiration in my life and impacted many other people too. I promise
and woman of God in life that I’ve ever known. You were one I’ll make you proud and I’ll see you in heaven.
of a kind and you can never be replaced. I love you and only God
knows how much I already miss you. I love you
-Julian
-Love – Pastor Pooh/Chaney Pooh
– Depending on what your wanted ☺ Lady, words cannot express how much I love and appreciate all you
have done for me. Thanks for the talks.
Mom (March)
Wednesday, July 23rd is the day that our Lord decided to take -Love, Lauren
a wonderful and awesome mentor, teacher, advocate and mother
away. If my heart could be a pen I couldn’t write all that I Lady, I love you
desire., You were loved, admired, and a great woman whom my life -Aaron
was inspired. Love you, miss you, mean it.☺
Evelyn, Charyce, Christa, April, Dawnea, Lauren, Esjire, Scarlett,
-Love – April aka July Savannah. Okay really Mom, you didn’t call any of us before you left.
Pancakes, Sweet Potate pies, Sunday dinners, who is going to do all
Lady, I was so honored to be your first grandson. Thank you of that? You were indeed a super woman and the epitome of a Godly
from the bottom of my heart for all of the lessons, support, your woman, wife, and mother. If I could only remember half of what you
unconditional love, and all of your text messages. I’ll always love poured into me, I will be alright. Most of all, thanks for teaching me
and miss you. how to trust in God and live by faith.
-Love, Nick -Evelyn (whose the mother?)
♪Life Reflections ♫
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.
Active Pallbearers
Billy R. Lowe Jr.
Rueben Nevels
Roland Nevels
Allen Smith
Brandon Jones
Donald Flemings
Robert Nunley
Greg Alaman
Honorary Pallbearers
Billy R. Lowe Sr.
Theodore Smith
Alray Smith
Lionel SmWith
Charles Wright
Jeffery Everett
Acknowledgement
The family of Lady Evelyn D. Smith wishes to express their appreciation for your many acts
of kindness, prayers and words of comfort. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
May God bless each of you.
Please join us in remembering Lady Evelyn Delores Smith by visiting our Memorial at
www.gatekingleygates.com. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond
memories with our family by leaving both written and spoken Guest Book messages.
Internment
Inglewood Park Cemetery
Services Entrusted to:
Elder Courtney Lynch
Gates Kingsley Gates Praiswater Mortuary
6909 Canoga Ave
Canoga Park, CA 91303-2032
(818) 348-3354
Repast
Love Peace and Happiness Family Christian Fellowship
4951 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037