Jackie Muriel Smith

Elder Jackie Muriel Smith, Sr. was born on December 30, 1943, in Eckman, West Virginia. In 1960, his family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he attended and graduated from Linden-McKinley High School.

Upon relocating to Columbus in 1960, Elder Smith became a member of the Original Glorious Church. In 1962, at 524 E. Long Street, he received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He later acknowledged his call to the ministry in 1991 and was licensed and ordained in Cleveland, Ohio, in August 2001. Elder Smith faithfully served the church for approximately 65 years, remaining a devoted and beloved member whose life reflected humility, consistency, and unwavering commitment to God.

Throughout his years of service, Elder Smith held many leadership roles within the church. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Brotherhood President, Brotherhood Advisor, Choir Director, Minister of Music, and was recently elevated to Associate Pastor. He also formerly served as the National Missionary Choir Director, extending his musical and spiritual leadership beyond the local church. His influence and mentorship impacted generations of worshippers and leaders.

An anointed and accomplished musician, Elder Smith sang professionally for approximately eight years with Keith Dobbins and the Resurrection Mass Choir, ministering through song across the United States. In addition to touring throughout the United States, he and the Resurrection Mass Choir also traveled to London, England, sharing the gospel internationally. During his musical journey, he shared the stage with renowned gospel artists including Hezekiah Walker, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, and appeared on recordings featuring Yolanda Adams, Kim Hall, TuTu and the Truthettes, Rance Allen, and The Williams Brothers. He also had the honor of playing the piano for the legendary Shirley Caesar.

In addition to his musical ministry, Elder Smith was a professional videographer and photographer, using his creative talents to document ministry, preserve memories, and support the work of the church with excellence and care.

Elder Smith was employed by AT&T for 34 years, retiring in 2000. Following retirement, he continued to serve the community by working for COTA Mainstream and Columbus City Schools as a bus driver, a role he fulfilled with pride, responsibility, and compassion.

Elder Smith was united in marriage to Minister Pamela Smith, and their blended family included five children.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Smith; sons, Jackie (Marla) Smith and Jermaine Smith; daughters, Melissa Farris and Moncherie Chapman; brother, Paul Smith; sister, Elsa Hubbard; a host of special sons and daughters; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family—far too many to name.

After a life rich in service, worship, leadership, and love, Elder Jackie Muriel Smith, Sr. transitioned to be with the Lord on December 23, 2025.

At this present time, he is enjoying Jesus. Hallelujah.