Myrtle Lee Parker Smith

1926 - 2022

Myrtle Lee Parker Smith was born in Norwood, Louisiana on August 8, 1926 to the late James Parker Sr. and the late Idell Hughes Parker. Myrtle P. Smith accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. As an adult, she was a member of New Zion Baptist Church for many years under the leadership of the late Reverend A. L. Davis Jr., and then under the leadership of Pastor C. S Gordon Jr. After Hurricane Katrina, Myrtle P. Smith, relocated to Houston, TX and joined the Beacon Light Baptist Church of Houston, TX, under the leadership of Bishop Darryl S. Brister. While attending Beacon Light, she received recognition as Mother of the Church. Then on March 5, 2017, she joined The Fountain of Praise in Houston, TX under the leadership of Reverend Remus Wright, Pastor and Dr. Mia Wright, Co-Pastor. Myrtle or Bae, Momma, Ma, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt Myrt, or Killer as she was affectionately known, was a hard-working woman beginning her day at 6:00 am. However, when she retired in 1986 after 33 years of service with the Orleans Parish School Board, she found new sources of relaxation and happiness. Myrtle enjoyed BINGO, Trips to the CASINO, Eating Out, Watching the Game Show Network Channel and Sports (New Orleans Saints) on television. Despite her failing health, she never waivered in her faith in God. She did not hide her personal relationship with God. On December 31. 2022 at 11:44 am, God delivered her from a body that could no longer serve him to beautiful new life. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John Willie Smith, Sr; her parents the late James Parker Sr., and Idell Hughes Parker; Sister Christine Parker Netter, brothers: Alphonse, Frederick, Henry, and James Parker Jr., and grandson Gregory Michael Reese Jr. Myrtle Lee Parker Smith leaves behind to cherish her memory a son, John Willie Smith Jr. (Dianne), five daughters: Flora Goings, Rose Harris, Diane Dorsey, Cynthia Price, and Connie J. Smith-Davis, a Son-in-Law, Larry Davis; one Sister Emma P. Spears; one Brother-in-Law Calvin T. Spears; three grandchildren: Reginald Goings, (Katara), Galen Price, and Ciantay J. LaCour, two great grandchildren Torey Brooks-Goings (Timeka), and Glennice Price, two great great grandchildren Corey Marshall and Aria Russell. She also leaves behind to cherish her memories a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a few extended children: Jacqueline Cosey-Young, Rhea Burnham, Rhonda Robinson, Janet Jackson, and Patrice McCalebb. While we miss her dearly, we take comfort in the words she spoke when she said to us "Don't worry about Momma. Momma is alright. I've been to the water. "God has been Good To Me." "Just Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart and He will Direct Your Path." Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend her Funeral Service at Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral, 1937 Mirabeau Street on Saturday, January 14, 2022 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.