Grace E. Harris Smith

Precious Memories Grace Elizabeth Harris Smith “Mommy ~ Grandma” On November 8, 1942 a beautiful baby girl, Grace Elizabeth Harris Smith affectionately called "Mommy / Grandma" by her family, was born to the late Borrell and Viola Harris. Grace attended Bayou Goula Elementary School, and Graduated from Iberville High School in 1960, before attending classes at Southern University, where she was studying to become a Librarian. From an early age in life Grace always loved the Lord, and was baptized in the early 1950’s at St. Paul Baptist Church, Bayou Goula, Louisiana. On March 22, 1962, Grace married her high school sweet heart Louis James Smith and moved to Denver, Colorado. This loving union produced two children, Louis James Smith, Jr. affectionately known as “Skipper”, and Russell Dale Smith. Grace loved her son’s unconditionally. Grace worked for TRW Credit Reporting Agency before retiring after 22 years.After the death of the love of her life she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to be closer to the other loves of her life, her grandchildren, LaTasha Nicole, and Cameron James Smith. Grace was so proud of her grandchildren. She took pride in seeing their accomplishments, and passing down her knowledge. It was because of her grandchildren that she became a lover of sports, the arts, exotic foods, and anything else her grandchildren took interest in. Grace was a soft spoken, kind hearted person, who loved her family, her hats, the bible, and most importantly God. Her love for Him was like no other… Even though Grace did not drive, traveling was one of her favorite past times. She loved being on the go even in her later years. She even traveled to Jerusalem, where the Mayor of the Holy City deemed her a Jerusalem Pilgrim. Seeing the River Jordon brought Grace even closer to GOD. Later in her life Grace decided to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, this time to be closer to her “Baby” Russell Dale. In Charlotte, Grace attended St. Paul Baptist Church, and when she had time, continued her travels. She was active in various ministries including Sunday School, and the Rose of Sharon ministry where she met some special friends, her Sisters in Christ Shirley Haley, Genola Blount, Jessica Johnson, Yvonne Hegar and others… Grace loved the church and the word of God. This was a comfort to her when she took her last breath on January 1, 2016. She didn’t have to celebrate a new year, but instead decided she wanted to celebrate a New Life… She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her grandparents, Thomas Smith (Elizabeth), Alec Jones, Sr. (Julia), her mother and father-in-law, Rev. Van Smith, Sr. (Arnetta), brothers-in-law, Archie Smith and Clyde Johnson, nephews, Patrick Smith and Kendrick Johnson, and her loving niece, Kenisha Johnson. Grace is survived by her Son’s, Louis "Skipper" Smith, Jr. (Nancy) and Russell Dale Smith; sisters Gloria McCarter (Douglas), Gwendolyn Johnson (Calvin) and Julia Faye Johnson; brothers, Borrell Harris, Jr. (Margaret), Thomas Harris (Mary)and Kermit Harris (Glenda); brothers-in-law, Rev. Van Smith, Jr. (Leola) and Robert Smith (Sandra); sisters-in-law, Evangelist Gloria Alexander (Dr. Harrell) and Patricia Askins (Nathaniel); grandchildren, Cameron James and LaTasha Nicole Smith; Goddaughters, Judith Alexander and Deborah Watts (Jerome); aunt, Gussie Lewis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends including her four legged pal “Bo”. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen… ~ Hebrew 11:1 Grace will be LOVED and missed by everyone who knew her… Thank You We shall ALWAYS remember with deep gratitude, your comforting expressions of sympathy. May God bless you all. ~The Family Mommy.... You’re always there to help no matter what life brings; to laugh with us, to be proud of us, and share all the happy things. You were there when plans went wrong, to help us work things out when disappointments came along. You were there for our good, our bad, even our up’s and downs. You were there even when we were acting like clowns. We’ll love you to the moon and back and back again. You were not just our mother you were our best friend… We’ll love you today, we’ll love you tomorrow. but right now our hearts are hollow… Go ahead Mommy take your rest. We love you with all our hearts but Jesus loved you best……………….Skipper - Russell "A Smile of Grace" By Cameron and LaTasha Smith Radiant as the sun, your heart fills the sky. A glimpse of warmth and love always caught in your eyes. No matter the struggle your faith remained true. With resilience and strength, the barriers you carried us through. Soft as a rose as it sways in the wind. Still sternly rooted by a virtuous kin. In the eyes of your forebears you brought strong zeal and hope. And created a legacy of ambition beyond scope. Your voice sang with passion and put us at ease. Your smile so astounding, something so bright to see. Selfless your heart, if ever a need. Never you first, compassion you exceed. Words cannot describe the pure love you left behind. In high regards your spirit will be kept – you’re Grace, one of a kind. Thank you, Grace, for all you’ve done for me. For raising a strong kind man, my husband. For providing loving support for our children. For always being there for us. For your smile, your laughter, your encouragement, your guidance, your grace. Thank you for being in my life. ~Your daughter-in-law, Nancy M. Smith “I will miss you” - Love You, ~Bo