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Maxine Smith Obituary
Her death was confirmed by Memphis Mayor AC Wharton on his Facebook page.
Smith, retired executive secretary of the Memphis branch of the NAACP and a former city school board member, had chronic heart problems, according to The Commercial Appeal (http://bit.ly/11K3KoH).
She was a part of every significant chapter in the city's storied history of race relations over half a century, from protest to integration to busing to the rise of black political power.
"Today we mourn the passing of civil rights icon, Maxine Smith," Wharton said on Facebook. "With her death, Memphis has lost a legendary leader for human rights and one of the brightest stars in the great expanse of our city's history."
"There is nobody like Maxine. She was an amazing woman with an ability to interact with all kinds of people, a brilliant strategist. ... A bove all, she was my friend," said Rep. Johnnie Turner, former executive director of the local NAACP chapter.
Georgia Maxine Atkins Smith was born in Memphis during the Depression at a time of rigid segregation.
As an adult, Smith set about changing the racial status quo. In the process, she and a generation of black Memphians including her husband, former County Commissioner Vasco Smith, changed the city forever with a knowledge of Memphis past and present that helped them make the transition from protesters to elected leaders.
Her father, Joseph Atkins, was a postal worker who chafed under the rules of workplace segregation. Her mother, Georgia R. Atkins, was active in the NAACP. Smith said as a child the NAACP was "almost like a church" to the family.
She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School at the age of 15 and four years later graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta.
Smith earned her master's degree from Middlebury College in Mi ddlebury, Vermont, and taught college-level French.
The state of Tennessee paid her tuition to Middlebury rather than allow her to attend a white college or university here.
Seven years after getting her master's from Middlebury, Smith and Miriam DeCosta Willis tried to enroll in all-white Memphis State University and were turned away.
"I got mad and have been mad ever since," Smith recalled in a 1977 interview.
Smith and Willis filed suit against what is now the University of Memphis in 1957. Two years later, the first black students were admitted to the university, although Smith and Willis were not among the group.
Nearly four decades after that lawsuit, Smith was appointed a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the governing board for the U of M and all of the state's colleges and universities outside of the University of Tennessee system. She was appointed by then-governor Ned McWherter in 1994 and served to 2006. During her tenure, the board created a fellowship program and named it in her honor, the Maxine Smith Fellows program.
___
Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
131 Entries
Valenda Newell
November 12, 2016
RIH TO A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL
Latonia Smith
July 21, 2016
My dear great aunt, you are gone but never forgotten. I miss your bucket salad. Smile. The conversations we shared....priceless. My great uncle, your husband, was so proud of you and spoke highly of you. Now you all are taking your eternal rest together. Thank you for being a part of my life. Thank God for you both. Love you both. Rest in Paradise.
Phyllis Walters
November 22, 2013
Smitty,
Your mom was a pioneer and a great inspiration in my life. She was my first boss when I was at the age of 18 at the NAACP office. She taught me to be professional, to have confidence and seek the equality that we as a race deserve. She will always be embedded in a special part of my heart.
Phyllis Walters
Harry & Chris Henderson & Sons
June 26, 2013
Our Prayer go out to you Smitty and your entire family always. Take comfort in knowing that you have a Special Guardian Angel watching overall of you. Your mother is "Safe in God's Arms".
How you can show support
Barbara Johnson
May 22, 2013
Life is a blessing. When one has been so fulfilled as this beautiful woman, the joy is knowing another angel is watching over us. May God bless you.
(graduated class of 1974 Central High).
Sharon Burns
May 16, 2013
Smitty, I'm so sorry to hear about the lost of your mother. My condolences to you and your family. May God bless you during this time.
Pamela Walker-Williams
May 8, 2013
Such a wonderful woman. A positive influence for me growing up in Memphis. Rest in Paradise.
Carole Hall-Hardeman, Ph.D
May 5, 2013
Sincere condolences to the family of the wonderful Maxine Smith. I sat in the
pew right behind Maxine
and Vasco the ten years
that I lived in Memphis.
They were among the first
members of Metropolitan
Baptist Church whom I
learned to like and love!
She was smart, funny, and a
great, principled, beautiful
lady. May she rest in peace.
Janas Jackson
May 4, 2013
Maxine Smith was our "Moses of Memphis." She understood that freedom was worth fighting for and gave her time, resources, and voice to the cause. We must never allow our children to forget what Maxine Smith meant to our city and nation.
Jackie Barringer
May 4, 2013
Mrs. Maxine Smith, you were Memphis, you will truely missed...fly, fly high
WANDA RINGO
May 4, 2013
TO THE SMITH FAMILY. MEMPHIS WILL NEVER GET A MAXINE SMITH NEVER . REST IN PEACE WE LOVE YOU BUT GOD LOVE YOU BEST
Glenda Glover
May 3, 2013
A legend, a leader, a teacher, a fighter. Maxine Smith was a bold friend to many and a mentor to most. Our two families share fond memories. Both civil rights and education in Tennessee were enhanced and advanced under her leadership. We will forever honor her in our hearts.
Glenda Baskin Glover
President, Tennessee State University
Cora Isabel-Reid
May 3, 2013
I speak for my husband, McCann Reid, a former editor of Tri-State Defender Newspaper who many experiences with Maxine during his tenure. He is now incapacitated. I remember Maxine in her high school years at Booker T. Washington. How those years did fly! Words are inadequate for me to express my admiration for her life and courage. May the family find strength in knowing that her life was fulfilled in its gift to humanity.
Carolyn Cloman-Moore
May 3, 2013
Let the works that I've done speak for me! You will never be forgotten for the works that God had you to do dear Ms Maxine. Thanks be to God for lifting your heart and mind to the heights of greatness with humility and integrity while fighting for equality for all, You will be missed as much as you were loved and admired.. Thank! May God bless your soul and give your family comfort.
Shirley McCray
May 3, 2013
Mrs Smith.... you will always be remembered and loved,in my life, as the one who helped me make history in the 60's at Memphis State University. R.I.P. my Sister..Coach Shirley McCray
May 2, 2013
Dear Maxine :
You were such an inspiration to all in Memphis. I treasure the memories when I was a close member of the family through my friendship with Smitty . RIP dearest
bessie nelson
May 2, 2013
Mrs. Smith never knew me personally but she always treated me like she did. She has done much for the cause of justice. Lets keep her fight for equality for all alive! from the Nelson Family
May 2, 2013
As a mentor, friend, and sorority sister … Maxine has impacted my life beyond words. She ignites the light in all of us to be concerned about our fellow man and to take a bold stand against the injustice of others. Touring the Civil Rights Museum with Maxine as the narrator was an unforgettable experience. One of my most memorable honors is being a 2006 Maxine Smith Fellow. That time of listening, learning, and laughing with Maxine is a period that will forever be treasured. My heart is rejoicing because God sent us such a powerful, tenacious, gentle, loving, concerned, and funny person. Now her task on this earth has ended but her legacy will continue to live on.
Smitty, you are blessed to be the son of Vasco and Maxine Smith. She talked about you often with pride showing on her face.
Carolyn Beverly
Caroline J. Clark
May 2, 2013
I will always remember Ms. Maxine's sweet, but firm personality. My sincere condolences to Smitty and family.
Cheryl Owens
May 2, 2013
Mrs. Smith was a neighorhood mom,former church member,Black History Month speaker at Hamilton Jr. High School,ground breaking trend setter, and iconic international Civil Rights Leader.....How lucky I have been to have known such a woman of strength !!!!!
Patricia Walker
May 1, 2013
May you RIP from all your hard work, God had your reward waiting . Be blessed Smith family she's in a much better place.
leonard Franklin
May 1, 2013
Thank God for the time that she share with us as a leader. May she rest in peace. Always will be remember.
May 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Patricia Walker
May 1, 2013
Patricia Walker and family RIP from all your hard work. God had your reward waiting.
Joseph C. Suttles and Family
May 1, 2013
Maxine, it was a pleasure to have known you. Rest In Peace. Our condolences to your family.
Dr. Christa S. Martin
May 1, 2013
This message is sent with the deepest and heartfelt sympathy. My heart is aching from the lost of a mentor and encourager, Dr. Maxine A. Smith. I knew of her well before I met her. A great lady and a champion and voice for those who certainly could not speak for themselves has passed. In 2004, I became a MAXINE SMITH FELLOW of the Tennessee Board of Regents from Columbia State Community College. Meeting Maxine Smith was one of the greatest days of my life. It was an honor to be a part of this program named for her and to be the recipient of her love and her encouragement. Maxine Smith's hard work has left its mark across this nation and most especially in Tennessee. I will never forget her and know today that my life was changed because my path crossed hers and I am better because of her influence on me. Fond memories of visiting with the Smiths at their home in Memphis during a Maxine Smith Fellows gathering and walking down the hall of fame bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart. My greatest memory may just be the fact that she included me in her book “Maxine Smith's Unwilling Pupils Lessons Learned in Memphis's Civil Rights Classroom”. We love you Ms. Maxine and will always cherish your conversations, value you and your contribution to Civil Rights, and your advice that was shared with the Maxine Smith Fellows' participants.
Dr. Christa S. Martin, Columbia State Community College, Assistant to the President for Access & Diversity, 2004-2005 Maxine Smith Fellow.
Janice E. Urrutia
May 1, 2013
Mrs. Maxine is a beacon light for all to follow, prayers for the repose of her soul. Prayers for her family and loved ones. Praise be to God. Amen.
Polly J Edwards
May 1, 2013
Maxine A. Smith was a true legend who will live in history books as well as in the hearts of those who remember her well. During those times we needed a voice who represented equality. That voice was Maxine A. Smith. Rest in peace. You fought a good fight; you kept the faith. Now go and take your rest.
AMIN J Abdullah
May 1, 2013
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Polly J Edwards
May 1, 2013
Maxine Smith was a genuine legend who will live in history books as well as in the hearts of those who remember her well. During those times we needed a voice who represented equality. That voice was Maxine A. Smith. Rest in peace. You fought a good fight; you kept the faith. Now go and take your rest.
Al/Bonnie Greene
April 30, 2013
Thank you for speaking, marching, enduring and standing for equality long before it became a household name. Your passion will forever be a monument in the heart of NAACP and education. Rest in peace, because you fought a good fight!
Thank you.
April 30, 2013
Truly a great legend not just in Memphis, the State of Tennessee or the Nation, but the world!
To have met her was to be enchanted with an elegant grace, pride and confidence.
She and Ann Weathers painted NAACP a must for all especially the youth. Rest in peace and may your living be a torch to continue the struggle. Thank you for standing when others rested along the way.
April 30, 2013
Condolences to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
Cookie Williams
April 30, 2013
Earth have no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. Family stay with JESUS and he will supply all your needs. I worked at the NCRM and had the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Smith. And she was indeed a very intelligent lady.
Jan Mitchell Atkins
April 30, 2013
I can only hope that Ava Grace Atkins will one day make achievements like her Great Aunt Maxine! Love and God Bless..Jan Mitchell Atkins
Margaret
April 30, 2013
May the family of Maxine A. Smith receive the love and support that is greatly needed at this time. She fought hard for human rights, and it has not gone unnotice. In the very near future that goal for ever man will be fulfilled , for the scriptures states, " For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, " - Acts 10:34.- He will also swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces.
PATTY CARD
April 30, 2013
GOD BLESS YOU,& YOUR FAMILY!!MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND THE PEACE ONLY GOD CAN GIVE THEM AT THIS TIME!! OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL!! RANDY,&PATTY CARD
April 30, 2013
Let's not forget the wonderful hope of the resurrection to come.
Sandra Rogers
April 30, 2013
Mrs. Smith was a very influential Lady, she will greatly be missed! Sorry for your loss!
M.H.G. Sr
April 29, 2013
May you be in The Book Of Life.
James F. Williams Jr.
April 29, 2013
God bless you Maxine.
You are a beautiful woman.
Condolences to your family.
M Walters
April 29, 2013
Grief is so hard to bear, the load is just so heavy. Please accept this invitation from Jesus to make your grief bearable. (Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke, my yoke is kindly and my load is light)
April 29, 2013
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Carla
April 29, 2013
My condolences to the Smith family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
J.L.H
April 29, 2013
Experiencing the death of a loved one is never a joyous occasion. May you find peace in knowing that soon, our creator will completely remove death forever.(1 Corinthians 15:26)
Rev. Janice Frazier-Scott
April 29, 2013
I am certain that the angels in heaven are smiling and have received Maxine! God is even saying "well done good and faithful servant!" We will miss you and the guidance that you so willingly gave to those who sought it. Thank you for all that you did and the legacy that you leave. May Smitty and your family find comfort during this difficult time, knowing that you have simply returned to the Father who had you on loan to us for 83 years.
Alonna
April 29, 2013
John 3:16 says: "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." In this verse it mentions that God loved the world so much that he gave is only-begotten son, so "everyone" exercising faith will have a chance of everlasting life. No color distinction made. The Almighty God Jehovah is a God of Justice, He has not changed (Malachi 3:6). Maxine's long hard fight for justice is so greatly appreciated. Thank You.
April 29, 2013
My sincere condolence to the Smith family. As you read the words of Almighty God at Isaiah 61:1, 2, may it comfort you in your time of grief.
Jem. Florida
dorinda white
April 29, 2013
Vasco...your mom was one of a kind. I always enjoyed hanging with her when she was in DC. She was always full of life and great cheer. Her legacy will live on in her deeds. She was blessed to get all her flowers and accolades while she was still here. Now, she can rest well knowing that that we all think of her having lived a life "well done." Dorinda White
D. Camille
April 29, 2013
With a career in civil rights, no doubt Mrs. Smith- was aware of what's recorded at Isaiah 2:4...that God "will render judgement among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples, and they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore." Her actions and strides in her career pointed toward this solution that God promises to make a reality for mankind.
April 29, 2013
May your family have peace as you go through this trialsome time.
G A
April 29, 2013
Rest in eternal peace Mrs. Maxine A. Smith!
Mary Jones
April 29, 2013
Peace Be With You and Your family.
Mary Ethel Flagg Jones and Sheila Patrice Jones
Crystal Williams
April 29, 2013
May the God of all comfort bring the family peace during a difficult time. And trust in the promise at Isaiah 65:17-25
T B
April 29, 2013
It is hard to watch these pioneers go! But the left the trail so much wider than they found it. We are all blessed, black and white, that they walked this earth. God Bless.
LINDA MATHES
April 29, 2013
WELL DONE! REST IN PEACE.
Art Smith
April 29, 2013
Be of Good Cheer Smithy and Family...Mrs.Smith was a GIANT walking among us! God has spoken;now she with other past Greats of this World.Rest In Peace Maxine....
The Long Family
April 29, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
D Wright
April 29, 2013
Iam sorry to hear of this strong, and intelligent woman passing. WE need more people like her today to continue what she got started.
Lavern
April 29, 2013
Acts 10:34,35- "For a certainty I preceive that God is not partial but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him."
Ron
April 29, 2013
May Our prayers to God help sustain the surviving family members!
April 29, 2013
I am very sorry about your loss. May God be with you and your family during this time of grief.
Tiffany
April 29, 2013
It is encouraging to read how Mrs. Smith did not tolerate the injustices of this wicked world. She followed the words in the Bible at Acts chapter 10 verses 34 and 35. It states: “For a certainty. I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him”. May we peer into Jehovah God's Word, and follow His laws and principles that we may have a life that is pleasing to Him.
J Greene
April 29, 2013
To the Smith family I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Smith was blessed with 83 years of special mightiness. (Psalms 90:10) May your hearts be filled with joyful memories of time spent with her as you remember a life well lived, and may the Hearer of Prayer bring you strength and peace in your time of sorrow. Again, please accept my sincerest condolences.
April 29, 2013
My deepest sympathy during this time of grief. Psaume 65:2
TINA
April 29, 2013
THE TRUE GOD WILL NEVER FORGET THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE THAT YOU FOUGHT. MAY HE REMEMBER YOU AND BRING YOU BACK TO A BETTER AND NON RACIAL WORLD.
Carolyn Stinchcomb Barnes
April 28, 2013
Thank you the legacy an positive example you have left for us all. May your family and friends be comforted by the many memories you have given.
Annette Kerney
April 28, 2013
You will be someone that I think of as a positive role model in my life forever. I grew up in South Memphis on Quinn Street graduated from Hamilton in 1985. You've always stood for positive change. We will miss you.
REJOICE! I SAY REJOICE!
April 28, 2013
83 great years what a blessing! So sorry things had to end so soon but continue to rely on almighty God for comfort and strength to continue on at this most difficult time.
Sterlin Adams
April 28, 2013
Her leadership, with the steadfastness she held to her well articulated belief of the rightful access of black citizens to the economic, educational, social, political, employment and entrepenrial opportunities that were afforded white citizens and also her efforts to ensure that blacks should experience treatment fair and equal to that afforded whites in judicial matters set Maxine apart. The many activities she led to make her beliefs a reality set a standard of excellence in civil rights commitment to all, but most especially to the Black Adults and developing young Black Memphians of the Memphis "Jim Crow" environment of the late fifties and the sixties.
Maxine Smith shall forever be regarded as a giagantic force in the gaining of the liberties and the creation of equal rights and opportunity for all memphians.
Maxine Smith set a difficult standard to achieve that serves as a guage for those who are committed to fill the void her departure has created.
I will miss her leadership and friendship.
April 28, 2013
May God grant you peace at this time of loss.
Ruth,Georgia
GG
April 28, 2013
Thank you for being apart of our history to make things better for our future. Today we still are faced with injustice, but because of all those before they have paved the way for a better future. We still are in need of a permanent solution.God promises to bring a permanent change to the earth. A joyous time with no injustice or hate. Psalms 37:10,11,29
April 28, 2013
To the Family of Maxine A. Smith,
May the God of all comfort give you the strength now and in the days ahead. One day there will be equality all over the earth as it was intended to be.Rom.15:4;Ps.37:9,10
Katherine
April 28, 2013
Rest well in the arms God my friend. God have your soul now. Have a safe journey home to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. praying for the Smith family. may God bless you all.
April 28, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more.
April 28, 2013
A great warrior who fought a good fight for all that we enjoy today. May God give you peace in this great loss.
Ledora Williams
April 28, 2013
Dear Cousin...You fought a good fight, now it is time to rest. The victories you won may not be known by today's youths, but the benefits will be forever. Sleep on.
Sharon Mchugh
April 28, 2013
Rest peacefully
Sandra Cummings
April 28, 2013
Your leadership in the civil rigths movement made a difference in the way we live, you will be truly missed our prayers are with the family
Sharon Williams
April 28, 2013
May God bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Mrs. J. Wesley Barbee
April 28, 2013
With sympathy to the Family.
Dear Lady Smith, forever your
light will shine bright through the generations you inspired. Adieu, mon ami.
April 28, 2013
I am so sorry for your great loss. Take comfort that our Heavenly Father does not forget the fine works we do. (Heb. 6:10). May He comfort you in your time of mourning. (Rom. 15:5). Again, my deepest sympathies.
Naomi Milligan
April 28, 2013
With Deepest Sympathies to the Maxine A.Smith Family.I want thank you far all you did that paved the way.I too was a part of that struggle ,At age 16year old ,I travel on a bus with other adults,On a Freedom Riders bus back in 1964.In my hometown Gainesville ,Florida . I also carried a picket sign with adults .Places like The College Inn,WoodWorth Store .These places would not served black's at there lunch counter.Also with other adults,went out to register our peoples to Vote.That was a great experience for me at that age.But there is still so much work to be done.
T. Sledge
April 28, 2013
Knowing the truth about God's purposes and having a genuine hope for the future will certainly provide great comfort. We have the hope of seeing our dead love ones again.
Teresa
April 28, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. Please be comforted by God's word it exerts power and can bring us peace. Hebrews 4:12
Maxine Smith, NAACP rally, 1962 (Alvin Swiney Photo Collection)
Alvin Swiney
April 28, 2013
Thanks Maxine!
April 28, 2013
THANK YOU Ms. SMITH
FOR A LIFETIME OF SERVICE.
R.I.P., MS. Smith - truly feisty, and truly a lady.
Richard Perry
April 28, 2013
Caroline Robinson Feagin
April 28, 2013
Well done thy good and faithful servant. Rest in peace. Love you like a sister.
sal Quick
April 27, 2013
This lady was Blessed. Her life has Blessed us all. Be with God, dear lady.
Charles*Pamala Fizer
April 27, 2013
**MUCH LOVE**TO*THE*SMITH*FAMILY**
Maxine and her son, Smitty, 1967.
Alvin Swiney
April 27, 2013
Maxine was a great friend! We will miss her!
T. T.
April 27, 2013
Mrs.Maxine Smith was a pioneer for truth and justice,and helped to breakdown many barriers for all humans. I am honored to have heard of her legacy. My prayers are with her family during this time of bereavement, and may God give them the strength to endure the difficult times ahead.
Charles Bailey
April 27, 2013
What a wonderful life, filled with a passion like none I've seen before or since. May the Grace of our Lord God bless your soul and your family. It was an honor for me to serve with Ms. Smith and the Memphis Branch of the NAACP soon after I arrived in Memphis in the fall of 1968. Truly, a giant was amongst us - fighting for freedom each and every day. I will long remember her sharing with us - we have no permanent friends or permanent enemies. We only have permanent interests. I took that to mean freedom and justice for all.
M Adams-Gantt
April 27, 2013
I thank God for women like you, who paved and helped to make an easier road for the women of today.
B C Mack
April 27, 2013
My condolences to the Smith family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.
Mary Wynne
April 27, 2013
I never met Mrs. Smith in person, but knew that she was truly loved in Memphis.
Thank you for standing up for something that made a difference in the lives of Memphians and everyone who knew you.
Robert Montgomery
April 27, 2013
Thank you Mrs. Maxine Smith for your courage and dedication to Civil Rights in Memphis during the turbulent times of the 60's . a time when African Americans were dedicated to fight for justice and equality,you will be remembered as a giant for justice in my eyes! RIP you deserve it.
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