Pastor Tommie J. Smith

Pastor Tommie J. Smith was called home on April 7, 2026.  Born on June 5, 1946 to the late Lonnie and Arlether Smith, Sr. He was the youngest of 12 children raised in Florence, Mississippi.  Preceding him in death were two brothers, Lenon and Leotis Smith. Six sisters, Eunice Orr, Lillie Kate Butler, Ora Lee Johnson, Reccesscer More, Florence Brindson, and Deloris Williams.  One son Andrew Taylor, and two grandchildren Chandler L. Taylor, III, and Nay’omee Mason.  

Pastor Smith graduated from McLaurin High School and was a member of Brown Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Florence where he accepted Christ at an early age. 

He moved to Cleveland in the mid 60’s, initially working for Ford Motor Company.  He soon realized he enjoyed working on his own more. He pursued his goal of managing his own autobody shops in Detroit and Canton but eventually brought his talents back to Cleveland where almost everyone who had a car came to know Pastor Smith. 

Throughout his life he continued to serve the Lord in many capacities and became Pastor of Third Missionary Baptist Church when his license of certification for the Ministry was presented to him at Ephesians Baptist Church on December 11, 1983. 

Shortly thereafter, Pastor Smith and Viola Taylor Smith were joined in holy matrimony November 16, 1985.  A marriage he always said was made of everlasting love.  They embraced each other’s families which would become one. 

 He leaves to cherish 3 daughters, Charmaine Gibson nee Bradley (Robert), Detroit, MI, Yalena Mason nee Smith (Robert), Canton, OH, and Angelina Vincent nee Taylor (Gary), Middletown, DE.  One son, Chandler L. Taylor, Jr. (Ann Marie). Two sisters, Ethel May Tripp, Chicago, IL, Cola Wright, Cleveland OH, and one brother Pastor Lonnie Smith, Jr. Greater Freedom Baptist Church, Kosciusko, MS. 

Pastor Smith also leaves to cherish his fond memories, his 17 grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and treasured friends.           

To our nephew/cousin Carlos, we are so  

grateful and thankful for your being there  

from the beginning to the end.  

Love the Family 

               May we always feel his Everlasting Love       

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