Obituary of Johnnie B. Smith

Johnnie B. Smith was born in Clarkton, NC to the late Johnnie and Rethea Bell Smith on November 11, 1941. Johnnie B. Smith attended Pilgrim Hill Baptist Church and accepted Jesus as her Savior at an early age. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Clarkton, NC. After graduating she moved to Brooklyn, NY and worked at Chock Full O’Nuts where she met Jackie Robinson who was the owner and operator of the company at the time. Her outgoing personality and giving spirit helped her excel at the company. She then moved to Rochester, NY and started working at Fannie Farmer which again enabled her to exhibit her great Customer Service skills and genuine care for people. Johnnie soon found a new church home in Rochester. She began attending Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in the 70’s and eventually became a member. She loved to go to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. As time went on Johnnie decided she wanted to work in the school system. She began working at #8 School as a Teacher’s Aide. This job showcased her caring spirit and her love for children. Johnnie has 5 children Gregory A. Smith, Sheila Loyde (Deceased) Michael T. Loyde, Tammy L. Major and Christol R Smith . She was a great homemaker and found joy in seeing her family happy. Johnnie loved to read her Bible and inspirational books. Johnnie’s love for children increased when she became a grandmother and great grandmother. She was blessed to see more generations. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. They were her pride and joy. Her love for all of them was never ending. Johnnie’s love for her family was exhibited in many ways. She always said “Family is so important, put God first and pray”. Her life is a testament to that statement. Johnnie transitioned from earth to glory on 11/25/2020. She is predeceased by Johnnie and Rethea Bell Smith (Parents), Sheila Loyde (Daughter ), Houston Smith ( Brother ), Marion Monroe and Evangeline Page ( Sisters ), Sherman Graham, and Walter Glover (other loved ones). She leaves to cherish her memory and rich legacy Woodrow Loyde, Sons: Gregory A Smith (Lenie) , Michael T. Loyde, Daughters: Tammy Major ( Will ) Christol Smith, Sisters: Evator Bryant( Eddie Sr.) , Earple King, Bonnie Cherry, and Evelyn King , Brother : Rodney Smith ( Curline ). Grand Children: Jerry Smith(Lavina) , Brandon Smith, Dujuan Smith( Shawnda) (Deceased), Gregory Smith Jr.(Keyonna), Derrick Loyde, Lashaey Loyde, Marquis Loyde, Christian Major, Savannah Major, and Fourteen Great Grandchildren and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to family and friends near and far. Thank you for all the calls, texts, and prayers. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, and we will do the same.