Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith was born to the late Lester and Jadie Mae Costen in Reidsville, Georgia on September 12, 1931. She passed to her Heavenly Reward peacefully on January 24, 2024, at her home in Teaneck, New Jersey.

From the time she was a child, Catherine manifested unique individuality, amazing commitment, courage, and strength. Catherine began her journey with Christ as a young child in Mt. Zion Church of Reidsville, GA and later transitioned with her family to become a member of Bethel AME Church of Collins, GA where both of her parents served in multiple capacities. It was here that Catherine's faith and love of the Lord spawned and flourished. Catherine loved the Lord mightily and shared her love of the Lord with the world proudly.

Catherine was educated in the Tatnall County school system attending the Dunbar School alongside many other educational institutions. Catherine served as a matriarch for all who were blessed to come within her reach, beginning with her siblings. Catherine's parents often instructed their younger children to, "Follow Catherine's lead," which all her younger siblings did willingly, respectfully, and lovingly. Catherine's love was not only spoken but felt by all who were blessed to share human space with her. Catherine did not choose the people that she loved; they chose her, and she welcomed them with an open heart.

In 1949, Catherine was joined in holy matrimony to Herschel Smith with whom she shared six sons. In the 1960's, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, she headed to New York to begin her career. It was at that time, that Catherine joined Ebenezer Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ where she was a dedicated member of the Willing Workers Organization and served several years with the Missionary Ministry where she was always pleased to do the work of the Lord.

Throughout her life, Catherine's courage never waned. Catherine led the charge in teaching the women and girls in her life how to epitomize strength gracefully. She often told the women in her family at times of challenge and discourse, "It's no time to be weak, right now, we've got to move!"

In her downtime, Catherine enjoyed baking and cooking for her family. Catherine was a phenomenal culinary artist who not only nurtured her family nutritionally, but emotionally. Her love was absolutely felt through each meal she prepared for those who surrounded her. Catherine was also the family historian; she had a memory which was captivating, as she shared stories, family traditions and home remedies to cure her family's bodies and souls. Catherine's generosity was mammoth as she contributed to this world without query or hesitation; if someone had a need, she fulfilled it expeditiously and lovingly.

Catherine was preceded in death by her three beloved sons, Lamar Smith, Jerome Smith, and Benjamin Smith. Catherine is survived by three sons, Quinton Smith of Rock Hill, SC; Donald and Clifford Smith of Teaneck, NJ; two grandsons, Jerome Alan Smith, Jr., and Roland Smith; and one granddaughter, Janelle Smith. Catherine is reverently survived by five sisters whom she cherished, Julie (Laymon) Bailey of Atlanta, GA, Frances (Alphonso) Borden of Englewood, NJ; Jessie Dean (William) Goodman of Elmont, NY; Evelyn Costen of Reidsville, GA, and Helen (Alton) McKinnon of Collins, GA. One endeared brother, Willis Costen of Collins, GA. Catherine adored her bonus children Herman Smith, LaNorris Futch, Alva Fogle and bonus granddaughter, Elise Fogle-Myers. Catherine is admiringly survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.