Rev. Dr. Quinton Roosevelt Smith

OBITUARY FOR REVEREND QUINTON ROOSEVELT SMITH, J.D., D.D.

Reverend Dr. Quinton Roosevelt Smith, J.D., D.D., a devoted servant of God, beloved Moderator, Pastor, Attorney, Professor, veteran, and community leader, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to eternal glory on March 5, 2026. His life was a testament to unwavering faith, dedicated service, academic excellence, and a lifelong commitment to advancing the Kingdom of God.
Rev. Dr. Quinton Smith was born on August 4, 1942 of Houston, Texas, to the proud parents Ira and Genevie Jackson Smith. In 1949, he moved to the Central Gardens community where he was raised in a loving family alongside nine siblings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Genevie Smith, his beloved wife of 38 years, Delois Smith and three Smith siblings: John Smith (Gaylyn), Marjorie Womack (deceased spouse - LeRoy), and Mablean Warren (deceased spouse - Johnny).
He received his early education through the Houston Independent School District and attended Harper Elementary, Booker T. Washington Middle School and High School, where he actively participated in the school band and various student organizations, receiving numerous awards and accolades and graduated with honors. His pursuit of higher education led him to Texas Southern University, where he earned Bachelor of Arts degree in History with collegiate honors. He later obtained a Juris Doctorate from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Deeply committed to theological scholarship and ministry, he earned a Masters of Divinity and a Doctor of Divinity from the Union Baptist Bible College and Seminary. Upon graduation, he served faithfully as a Professor of Homiletics and Hermeneutics at Union Baptist Bible College and Seminary, helping to prepare and inspire future generations of Pastors and Ministers.
Rev. Dr. Smith courageously served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, entering military service on September 16, 1967, and serving honorably until June 26, 1969. His service to his nation reflected the same integrity, discipline, and commitment that would later define his ministry. He was a recipient of the NDSM (National Defense Service Medal), Good Conduct Medal recipient, The U.S. Army Expert Rifle Badge, The Republic of Vietnam (RVM) Campaign Medal, (VSM) Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star.
Answering the divine call upon his life, Rev. Dr. Smith accepted his call to the ministry at Central Garden Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Ernest Brooks, Jr. He then transferred to Wesley AME Church under the leadership of Rev.E. E. Coates. He began his pastoral ministry at Allen Chapel AME Church (Dayton, Texas). He later returned to serve as a Minister at his home church, Central Garden Missionary Baptist Church.
During his ministry journey, Rev. Dr. Quinton Smith received continued ministry training and mentorship under his spiritual father, Rev. Dr. Samuel Smith,
Sr. Pastor of Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church, whom he loved, respected, and honored greatly. This mentorship helped shape his pastoral heart, theological depth, and lifelong commitment to teaching and preaching the Word of God.
Rev. Dr. Quinton Smith also served faithfully as an Associate Minister at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. M. L. Jackson and Rev. Mose Jones.
In 1996, Rev. Dr. Quinton Smith answered the call to serve as Senior Pastor of First Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. Through visionary leadership, powerful preaching, sound doctrine, and compassionate pastoral care, he shepherded the congregation faithfully for more than two decades. In 2020, after years of dedicated pastoral leadership, he retired and was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus, passing the ministry to one of his spiritual sons, Rev. Michael Simmons.
Rev. Dr. Quinton Smith's influence extended far beyond the local church. He served as Moderator of the 5th Sunday Fellowship, fostering unity, fellowship, and spiritual growth among churches and pastors. Nationally recognized for his biblical scholarship and teaching gift, he served as a long-time national Bible instructor and leader within the National Baptist Congress of the Sunday School and Baptist Training Union. For many years, he traveled across the nation teaching courses during annual sessions, equipping ministers, church leaders, and believers with a deeper understanding of God's Word. His faithful service earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his lifetime. He was also a part of the Houston Metropolitan Baptist Minister's Conference under Rev. S.J. Gilbert where he was able to share with other ministers. He was also a reoccurring on-air guest teacher for "Sunday Morning Lesson" on KYOK (1140 AM). He was employed for many years with Houston Independent School District.
He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his two loving daughters, Pastor Catherine Smith and Jennifer Smith (Cathey Jennings – First wife of Rev. Q.R. Smith and mother to Catherine & Jennifer) ; his cherished grandsons, Jaylen Botts and Dillan Botts; his siblings, Virginia Henry (deceased spouse - Louis), Deacon Ronnie Smith (Billie), Deacon Danny Smith (Monica), Callie Smith, Kevin Smith (Lorraine), Reginald Smith (Debra), Delois' children (R. Lundy, C. Rhem, M. Rhem); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church members, fellow clergy, students, and dear friends who loved and respected him deeply.
Rev. Dr. Smith's life was marked by faithful preaching, diligent study of God's Word, mentorship of leaders, and a deep love for the people in the communities in which he served. His legacy of faith, scholarship, and servant leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
Matthew 25:21