Rev. James Henry Smith

Rev. James Henry Smith went home to the Lord on Saturday, March 21, 2020 peacefully in his home. He was born in Chapman, Alabama on December 17, 1933 to the late Hilary and Viola Smith. He was the seventh of eight children. All of his siblings have proceeded him in death. 

Rev. Smith attended elementary and high school in Georgiana, Alabama and after school he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he met his sweet heart at a candy factory and married Pearlene Winston, they shared 61 years and from that union five children were born. Three proceeded him in death, two at birth, and Harold Sharron Smith at the age of 33 years old in 1997.

Rev. James Smith worked at Curtis Candy Factory and Chicago Transit Authority until he retired for CTA. He also served in the Korean War and in the Army National Guard. 

Rev. Smith joined Pathway M.B Church in Chicago, IL under Pastor Hackline and later became a deacon where he served faithfully until he moved to Covert, MI in 1978 and joined First Baptist Church under Pastor McClain. He served on the deacon board and later received the calling as a minister and was ordained under the Chain Lake District Association as a Minister. As a Minister of God, he was led to join Antioch M.B. Church in South Haven, MI under Pastor Muriente. After the passing of Pastor Muriente, he became the Senior Pastor of Antioch M.B Church for a short period of time until he was led to attend Full Gospel Tabernacle Church in Benton Harbor, MI under Pastor Mobley. He later associated with his daughter, Pastor Dr. Darlene Smith of Christ Embassy Church of South Haven, MI.

He was the caregiver to the Smith family and his nickname was “Tenny”. He worked hard, even at times working 2 or 3 jobs at a time to take care of his family and the Smith family. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Pearlene Smith of Benton Harbor, MI., his daughter, Pastor Dr. Darlene Smith of Benton Harbor, MI., and his son, Minister James D. Smith (Malissia) of Covert, MI.  Five grandchildren - David H. Smith of Benton Harbor, MI, Mia King, James Smith, Dominique Smith, and Kayla Smith all of Covert, MI. And a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Rev. Smith will be laid to rest at Covert Cemetery in Covert, Michigan.