Morris Berte Smith

Pocomoke City -The book of life opened in Emporia, Virginia on December 20, 1934 for Morris Berte Smith. He was born the second child of the late Harrell and Doria Brown Smith. Morris was called from labor to eternal reward on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at his home following a brief illness.

At an early age, he attended the Holiness Church in Emporia, Virginia. He later became and remained an affiliate member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Pocomoke City, Maryland for 41 years. Even though Morris was not seated in the pew every Sunday morning, he was faithful and he had a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ.

In 1956, he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Army. Morris retired as Master Sergeant in 1983 following twenty-seven (27) years of service. In addition to the Bronze Star (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Service under Hostile Fire, Morris received more than fifty (50) plaques and certificates for outstanding recruitment in the U.S. Army recruiting and other noteworthy services. For fourteen (14) years after his retirement, he worked at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland where he served as the Director of Intramural Sports and the Golf Coach. Morris was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf, billiards, table tennis, basketball and bowling.

He met the love of his life, Jessie Cottman in 1970 and they were married on November 25, 1972 and enjoyed forty-one (41 years) of marital bliss. As long as his health permitted, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to cultural and historic centers as well as to exotic places of interest. He also enjoyed many morning gatherings with friends, and his spiritual mentor, the late Reverend Charles Cannon.

Precious memories will be cherished by: his loving wife, Jessie Cottman Smith of Pocomoke, Maryland; and man's best friend who was like his child, Moli of Pocomoke, Maryland; three brothers—John Smith of Baltimore, Maryland, Walter (Sonny) Smith of Richmond, Virginia and Gerald Smith of Emporia, Virginia; three sisters-in-law—Cleo Johnson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Blanche Smith of Richmond, Virginia and Gracie Smith of Emporia, Virginia; three Godchildren—Nelva White, Shannon Hamilton and Jessica Mills, all of Pocomoke, Maryland, his favorite cousin, Thelma Jefferson and her husband Benjamin of Emporia, VA, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, golf buddies and a host of caring friends.

A viewing was held Friday, February 7, 2014 at Mt. Zion U.M. Church from 6-8pm and one hour prior to service on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11am also at the church.

All services are entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home-Princess Anne.