CONNIE DENISE (JACKSON) SMITH

Connie Denise Jackson Smith was born September 23, 1960 in Monroe, Louisiana to Bernice (Wright) Jackson and Robert Jackson. She was the second youngest of seven children: Robbie, Anita, Sherry, Earl, Maurice, Connie and Malcolm.

Upon her family moving to Ohio, Connie attended Columbus City Schools and graduated with the class of 1979 from Brookhaven High School. She continued on to study at Ohio Dominican College. She worked until her early retirement from Abbott Labs.

Sister Connie was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost in 1979 at Living Faith Apostolic Church under the pastorate of Bishop Edgar Posey. Over the years, she served faithfully in the Mass Choir, Christian Women’s Auxiliary and, most notably, the Sunday School Department.

On December 25, 1981, she married the love of her life, Gary Eugene Smith. To this union three children were born: Garren, Corinne, and Cordell; but as God would have it, their family circle expanded to embrace Dashawn and Arliyah.

Although quiet in her demeanor, Connie was bold, strong, genuine and brave in every way. She loved her husband with whom she shared the joy of traveling, attending concerts, and dancing! An avid reader, she also loved trying new things.

Her children were her joy and she labored to shield them from the negative things of life, always concerned about their needs. And when the Lord blessed her with her daughters in law and grandchildren, she was helpful and selfless.

Gary and Connie were the spiritual leaders of their family, always leading and encouraging them back to salvation when they would stray. Connie was the true embodiment of being a saved, godly woman and they were a wonderful example of 37 years of happy marriage.

A dedicated and committed Sunday School teacher, she enjoyed finding activities for the children to discover how much God loved them, teaching them about salvation until the end.

Having completed her assignment here on earth, Sister Connie went home to be with the Lord on the morning of Thursday, August 23rd during the week of Solemn Assembly. Although her time with us was short, her impact will continue on through those whom she touched, nurtured and loved through the power of Jesus Christ!

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert and Bernice Jackson; sisters, Robbie, Anita and Sherry Jackson.

Left to cherish her memory are: her husband, Deacon Gary Smith; children, Garren (Adrianna), Cordell (Brittney), Corinne, Dashawn and Arliyah Smith; brothers, Earl (Michelle), Maurice and Malcolm Jackson; all of Columbus; mother-in-law, Frances Smith; brother and sisters-in-law, Rawna (Gloria), Smith, Jr., Anthony (Jeanette), Kevin (Elva) Smith, all of Maryland, Debbie Derrickson of California; uncles and aunts, Frank Robinson of Louisiana, Richard Robinson, Lynn Robinson of Columbus; goddaughter, Javean Douglas; grandchildren, Urijah, Zavier, Elijah and Madison Smith; nieces and nephews, Keisha, Kareem, Samuel, Monica, Dominic, Mariah, Malcolm, Jr., and Candace Jackson, Kevin, Brian, Kayla and Chris Smith, April Garrett and Jasmine Horsey; Bishop and First Lady Edgar Posey, the LFAC Junior Sunday School Department, the Living Faith Church Family, and many other friends and loved ones.

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