Rev. Matthew Smith

Reverend Matthew Smith was born on October 1, 1925 in Maumelle, Arkansas to the late Joseph and Hester Smith. To this union six children were born. Four of his sibling preceded him in death. He departed this life, Sunday, February 19, 2012.
Reverend Smith professed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Fred Guy. He attended Scipio A. Jones High School in North Little Rock, and Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AR is where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He attended Real Estate School, became a Broker and started Smith Brothers Realty Company where he worked for years.
Reverend Smith and his wife, Rosemary Smith, were married February 28, 1955 and shared many blessed and wonderful memories, many of which included their son, Michael V. Smith, who preceded him in death. At an early age Reverend Smith accepted his calling to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. His enthusiasm for his religion, his willingness to pay the price and to do his best for the Lord was his life purpose. It made him a radiant and happy Christian. In 1963 he was called to pastor Mt. Olive Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Plummerville, Arkansas, there he served for 36 years. He was also called to serve as pastor at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Menifee, Arkansas. After his retirement from Mt. Olive, he reunited with Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member. He was a US Army Veteran who served his country well for four years. Was a" jack-of-all-trades". In addition to his pastoral duties, he also worked as a self-employed contractor/bricklayer. Reverend Smith truly loved the Lord. He thoroughly enjoyed reading the Bible and discussing scriptures. He was affiliated with: The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; Regular Arkansas Missionary Baptist Convention, Middlewestern District Association; and Morris Booker Memorial College. He looked forward to attending the annual meetings with his friend and "traveling buddy", the late Rev. Lonnie Franklin. Because of his passion for Christian education he served for years as the Regular Arkansas’ Christian Education Director. Rev. Smith was a consecrated Christian and Minister, true to his God, his country, his church, his family, and his fellowmen. The world is richer because he lived, served, and died in the faith. He leaves to cherish his memories, wife, Rosemary Smith; sister, Selma Lee Hughes, Daughter-in Law, Martha Smith; Granddaughter, Nicole Smith; Goddaughter, Dioma E. Jackson Elvin, and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends. Servant of God, well done.
Rest from thy loved employ;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter Thy Master’s joy. The pains of death are past,
Labor and sorrow cease,
And life’s long warfare closed at last,
Thy Soul is found in peace. Servant of God, well done.
Thy glorious warfare past;
The battle’s fought, the race is won
And thou art crowned at last.

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