Charles Etta Smith

Charlesetta Smith, 77, was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 8, 1944, the third child of Jamesetta and Charlie Smith, Sr. 

Later in her life, Charlesetta relocated with her family to West Memphis, Arkansas, where she graduated from Wonder High School. In 1967, at the tender age of 22, she moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan. 

Charlesetta was a hard worker. She worked for Voice of Music (VM) building record players for six years, for Heath Co. as a Kit Builder for several years and later for Zenith Data Systems. She remained at Zenith for 22 years holding positions as a Kit Builder, Repair Operator, and Computer Tester until their 1996 closing. Upon Zenith’s Closing, Charlesetta was employed at Collins and Aikman Plastics until they closed in 2003. Once her last job closed, she was happy to enroll in AARP until she officially retired from the workforce in 2012.

In September of 1977, at 32 years old, Charlesetta gave her life to the Lord. She was baptized in the name of Jesus by the Late Bishop Willis Baker and became a member of Pentecostal Power Church. She was filled with the Holy Ghost sometime later. While the physical building and name changed, Charlesetta remained a faithful member of what is now New Birth Apostolic Church under the pastorate of Elder Immanuel Williams until death.

Mother Smith remained a faithful servant of the Lord at Pentecostal Power Church. Whether making someone excited with her famous lemon delight, passing out food from the church pantry, or serving at community giveaways, she enjoyed feeding people!

As a Licensed Missionary, one of her main ministries was visiting the sick and elderly in nursing homes and hospitals. After retiring, if someone needed help at home after a sickness or surgery, Mother Smith was glad to act as an after-care nurse for as long as necessary. Through the years, she taught Adult Sunday School, Bible Studies and was always there with a straightforward, encouraging word when it was needed most. Most of all, Mother Smith wanted us all to know that she loved the Lord! 

Mother Charlesetta Smith took her final rest on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Hanson Hospice Center with her sister Brenda by her side. Her memory will be cherished by those who love her most which includes four sisters - Mildred (Willie) Friason of West Memphis, AR, Dorothy (James) Griffiss of Grovetown, GA, Mergie (James) Jackson of Memphis, TN, and Brenda Beaty of Benton Harbor, MI; two brothers - Charlie Smith, Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK, and James (Verdean) Smith of Benton Harbor, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jamesetta and Charlie Smith, Sr., and three sisters: Francis Craven, Bennie Cunningham, and Vivian Smith-Moore.

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