Bro. Melvin Smith's Obituary
Funeral services for Bro. Melvin Smith, 90, of Evans, Louisiana will be held on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Oak Grove Congregational Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Plunkaway Cemetery under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 12, 2020 beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the church.
Brother Melvin Smith came into this world on January 24, 1930 in Evans, Louisiana to the late Audie Reese & Bessie Mae Jarrell Smith. His legacy is one borne from the eternal love of his Heavenly Father, which he graciously shared with all who he came in contact with. He made his triumphant entry into glory on July 10, 2020, completing his earthly journey and leaving an indelible mark on countless lives, relationships, and a family he cherished.
He grew up in Louisiana and served his Country in United States Navy following high school. After serving his Country, he met and married the love of his life, the late Shirley Smith. For 63 years they were partners in life, love and ministry. Their life together was one of service to others, embodying the greatest commands of Jesus to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind and to love thy neighbor as thyself. All who knew him, knew they were loved and prayed for on a daily basis.
Brother Melvin’s calling was to be a pastor, evangelist and compassionate leader in his community and across the southern United States of America. He spent countless hours over ___ years pastoring churches, visiting the sick, helping those in need and sharing God’s infallible Word to all who would listen. His ability to minister through music, witness, prayer, or the pulpit was unique but perhaps his greatest gift was his loving humility which drew people to him and magnified his impact and continuing legacy in fulfilling the great commission.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother: Craig Smith, and a Niece Diane Green.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter: Brenda Stanley and her husband Wade of Evans; his sister: Jesmine Stevison of Evans; three grandchildren: Kimberly Maples and her husband Matthew of DeRidder, Kelli Guidry and her husband Danny of Beaumont, and Andrew Stanley and his wife Louise of Anacoco; Ten great grandchildren: Elizabeth Maples, Ethan Maples, Evan Maples, Ella Guidry, Connor Guidry, Olivia Cooke’s, Noah Cooke’s, Zachary Guidry, Jonah Guidry, and Liam Stanley; his son in love: Doug Whipkey of Evans; Neices/Nephews: Mitch & Cindy Stevison, Donna Stevison, Joel & Amanda Stevison, Bill Stevison; and a host of other family and friends.
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