Delores Smith

June 15, 1934 - December 5, 2020

The gift of life was given to Delores Smith by God, her creator on June 15, 1934 to the parents of Isaac and Margaret Redic of St. Louis, Missouri. She was the most cherished gift and only child. At aa young age Delores and her family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where her grandparents resided. Delores enjoyed assisting her grandmother with the family grocery store after school daily. Delores professed her belief in Christ as her savior at an early age and attended Prince of Peace Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan where her grandfather, O.B. Moore was the founder and pastor. During her stay in Detroit she suffered great hardships, losing both her parents and grandmother. As a result, she returned to St. louis to live with her aunt. Delores was educated in the St. Louis Public School where she attended Cole Elementary and Sumner High School. During her high school years she met her beloved husband Sylvester L. Smith, who preceded her in death. Delores worked in the St. Louis Public School until she retired after many years of service. Delores “Sweetie” as she was affectionately known by family and close friends, was a very loving, kind and generous person. She was very pleasant and joyful, a breath of fresh air for anyone who came across her path. She encouraged and motivated others to reach their highest potential. She was a woman of excellence and elegance who was always stylish and fashionable. Delores was the backbone of her family. She enjoyed cooking. She created a tradition of bringing loved ones together for great meals and holidays. Delores enjoyed preparing her delicious homemade hot rolls and her finger licking good barbecue, as much as others enjoyed eating them. Spending quality time with family was one of her highest priorities. She loved to gather with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for times of joy, laughter, and making memories. Delores especially enjoyed worship service, church and bible studies. She had family morning prayer and often hosted prayer meetings in her home. She also demonstrated Godly wisdom that she shared with others. Delores was a faithful member of Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church for a number of years, under the leadership of Bishop, Michael Fulton Jones. God, the creator preserved the life of Delores Smith for eighty-six years, five months, twenty-one days and eleven hours. On December 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. our Heavenly Father received Delores into his eternal safekeeping. Delores will always be loved and missed by many. She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter ~ Sharon Smith; two sons ~ Sylvester L. Smith, Jr. and Michael (Michelle) Blanks; grandchildren ~ James West, Sylvester (Ashley) Smith III, William (Rosanna) Smith, Sylisha Lewis, Darnae Chatman, Jacqueline Chatman and Carlos (Lindsey) Faulkner; to carry on her legacy she also leaves to cherish her memory: nineteen great-grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.