Rev. Darrell Smith

Reverend Darrell Albert Smith, 63, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson. Visitation will be Friday, June 17, 2011 from 5-8pm at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence and 10am until the 11am service Saturday, June 18 at ChristWay Church of God in Flowood. A graveside service will be held at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Houston, MS at 6pm.\ \ Born in Houston, MS, Rev. Smith pastored his first church, The Assurance of Eternal Life Church in Chicago, IL at the age of 17. He served as pastor of churches in Illinois and Mississippi including Metropolis Church of God in Metropolis, IL, Auburn Church of God in Auburn, IL, Mahned Church of God in New Augusta, MS, Hamilton Church of God in Hamilton, MS, West Point Church of God in West Point, MS, Lakeview Church of God in Columbia, MS, South Shady Grove Church of God in Mize, MS, and the Family Church in Pearl, MS. \ \ Rev. Smith graduated from Miracle Valley Bible College in Miracle Valley, AZ, where he served as President of his class. He graduated from MSU with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies and received a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology. As a teacher, he taught social studies at Fifth Street Jr. High School in West Point, MS. He also taught Special Education classes at Madison County Alternative School in Canton, MS. Rev. Smith also worked for the Community Education Center conducting workshops for relevant social issues in churches, schools, prisons and community agencies.\ \ He was the State Evangelism Director for the Church of God from 1998-2002. He also served as Chairman of the Ministerial Development Board, equipping ministers for service. Rev. Smith served several terms on the State Council for the Mississippi Church of God and was selected to serve on the International "Ministry Now" Committee and as a State Trustee for the Mississippi Church of God. He founded the first Hispanic churches for the Church of God in Mississippi.\ \ He was an Eagle Scout and, during his work as a Scout Master, he received the Pine Burr Award for organizing the first scout troop to include children with disabilities.\ \ He was welcomed to Heaven by his sister, Erma Smith; Daughter, Melodye Smith; and his Mother, Wilma Katherine Smith. He is survived by his father, Silas Eugene Smith of Kilmichael, MS; his wife, Dr. Loretta Smith of Madison; his son, Rev. Jeremy and Jennifer Smith of Starkville, MS; and his grandchildren, Avery, Bailey, Conner, and Delaney Smith.\