Mother Virginia’s Journey

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto them also that love His appearing.” I Timothy 4:7-8

Mother Virginia Smith was born on December 18, 1933 in Tchula, Mississippi to the union of Alex and Katie Baymon. Early Friday, June 2, 2017, as God was looking around, He said, “ I need another angel to help me keep things in order.” God looked down at Virginia and said your babies will be alright so she received a set of wings and headed to her heavenly home.

Virginia had a great childhood, she was the eldest of eight children, as a hobby she did needle point and embroidery that was admired by many in the South. Virginia began her walk with Christ at an early age and continued in the service until being called home.

Virginia left the South in her early years for Peoria, Illinois, where she began working in healthcare with the elderly. Virginia later moved to Chicago, Illinois and continued working in the field of healthcare. Shortly after, she met and united with Lee Robert Smith. Together they raised a host of children.

In 1997, Virginia retired from Chicago Mailing Tube. After retiring she devoted more time to serving as an usher, missionary and mother of Greater St. John Bible Church under the leadership of Rev. Ira J. Acree. In 2005, Virginia relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she continued serving at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Gonzalee Martin, she served on the mother’s board and as a missionary.

Virginia was loved by her family and friends. Many called her "Susta".  If you were graced by her presence, you knew Virginia always had a place for you to sleep and a hot meal for anyone who needed one.  Even if you just wanted to eat, “Famous Recipe”, “The Colonel”, “Church’s Chicken” or no other place could top “Ms. Virginia’s Kitchen”.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Robert Smith; parents, Alex and Katie Baymon; children, Leona, Andre and Rickey; grandchildren, Martrice and Latoya; great grandchildren, Bryan and Brandon and siblings, William, Robertha, Alvin and Isabella.

Left to cherish her precious memory, Virginia leaves her legacy to live on through her children: Mattie, Rosie, Van (Mary), Linda (Calvin), Doris, Catherine (Charles), Bernette, Michelle and Tony (Beverly); 39 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, 15 great- great grandchildren (many more that called her momma); her aunt, Lillie Smith; siblings, Mae Phife, Velma and Richard Baymon and three special friends Suzie Hale, Joe Willie Lee and Dorothy Macon.

Homegoing Celebration

Saturday, June 10, 2017 10:30AM

Greater St. John Bible Church

1256 North Waller Street

Chicago, IL 60651

Officiating

Rev. Ira J. Acree - Pastor

Mother Smith will be laid to rest in

Washington Memory Gardens - Homewood, IL

 Service Information