Celebrating

Acknowledgements

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the Life many expressions of love and sympathy shown to us during this difficult and sorrowful time. The comforting messages, visits, food, and other acts of kindness they were very much appreciated. ~ The Family ~ of

Services Entrusted to: Shaffer-Collins Funeral Home, Inc. “Our Family Serving Your Community” 247 West Sixth Street  Yazoo City, MS 39194 662-746-3985

“For the Good Times”

Saturday, March 27, 2021 | 11:00 a.m. Shaffer-Collins Funeral Home 247 6th Street – Yazoo City, MS 39194 Dr. Gregory Robertson, Officiating

Obituary

Ms. Katie Smith 1936-2021 Katie Smith was born August 20, 1936 in Yazoo County, to Johnnie Mae Cummins and Phil Smith, Sr. "Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Until we meet again." I will always love you. Katie received her education from Battile School in Yazoo County. At an early age, she gave her life to our ~ Your Hamma Mane (Clarence Jr) ~ Creator, Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was a member of Triune in Yazoo County but from time to time she would visit New King Solomon M. B. Church with her family. From as long as I can remember, you would always ask me "Baby why you don't like to mind?" And of She married and later divorced shortly after. After her divorce, Katie moved to Chicago, Illinois and met Fred course, I would always get popped because I could never answer you fast enough. On the day of Earl's McGee and on January 11, 1969 welcomed a beautiful baby girl, their only child into the world. Wedding, I stayed the night at your house by myself, we sat in the living room and watched Judge Mathis

Sometime later, Ms. Katie moved to St. Louis, MO, where she worked as a Union Shop Stewardess at The and you asked me "Baby why you don't like to mind". I answered " Granny I just be trying to have fun I Mansion. Upon resigning from this job in 1979, Katie returned back to her home in Yazoo County on February don't mean to not mind you", You responded "I know baby but you have to listen to granny because I don't 5, 1979 and was employed as a cook at Hattie B’s. Work was no stranger to Katie. After leaving Hattie B’s, like whooping you!", I said yes ma'am and you hugged me and told me to go and fix both of us a bowl of she went to work at Manchester Academy as the Lead Custodian. After resigning from Manchester Academy, butter pecan ice cream and we both fell asleep eating it in the living room. I do not expect it to be easy but she went to work for the Heritage Manor of Yazoo City where she retired. granny I need you to help me be strong, you are no longer suffering, and it would be selfish of me to want it any other way. I Love You Granny, now you can finally Rest with Bama. Katie departed from this life on March 21, 2021. She was full of life and touched every life she came in contact ~ Your XA XA (Allen Charles) ~ with. A true definition of determination and hard work. Katie Smith was preceded in death by her parents Johnnie Mae Cummins and Phil Smith, Sr.

Ms. Katie Smith leaves behind a legacy of love to cherish her memories, an only child, Delores (Jamie) Smith- To my Kalu, I just want you to know that I love you so much. Those were part of my last words to you. I also Angrum of Ridgeland, MS. Seven (7) Grandchildren and twelve (12) Great Grandchildren: Donjala said if you let go and transition, I would not be mad, and I am not. I feel better knowing that you are not (Lorrenzo, Sr.) Smith-Thomas of Yazoo City, MS. Great Grandchildren: Sammia & Lorrenzo, Jr. Robert suffering now. As I go on through life with you by my side spiritually, I will always remember the time and (Marquita) Smith of Yazoo City, MS. Great Grandchildren: Robert Jr, Robert III, Raheem, Aniya, Shartavious memories we shared. Just know I am proud of you and you have inspired me to be great and to stay strong.

& Kadiance. Valencia Smith of Jackson, MS. Great Grandchildren: Kaiden &, Ri'en.Ronald Smith of ~ From your Eldest Great-Grand, Your "Coon" (Sammia) ~ Ridgeland, MS. Great Grandchildren: Lakin & Railynn'Renee. MarQuell Bell of Ridgeland, MS. Clarence Jones Jr., of Ridgeland, MS. Allen-Charles Xavier Thompson of Ridgeland, MS. One (1) brother, Phil

(Rosette) Smith known as Junior (who preceded her in death). To this union seven (7) children were born. Three (3) sisters: Earline "Ruth" (Robert) Easley of St Louis, Missouri. To this union one (1) child was born. To my Kaywoo, I just want to From the day you were introduced to me as granny you Francis "Cookie" Montson of Yazoo City, MS. Special Niece: Regina "Wee Wee" Smith, Special Nephew: say I love you! have been just that a granny to me. You never held back Ronald "Black Boy" Smith. Eddie Mae (Wesley, Sr.) Kaho of Yazoo City, MS to this union 6 children were ~ Your “Frog” (Lorrenzo Jr) ~ how you felt about anything or anybody and I loved that born. Stepbrother, James (Wanda & Candy) Collum (who preceded her in death) and James Earl Collum, Jr., about you. I was your Sho Boat and always there when

A Special Niece: Veronica "Shank" Hudson. you needed me as you were there when I needed you. Take

your rest baby and try not to whoop somebody up in She leaves behind a great legacy and fond memories for a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. We love you Kalu. heaven lol. Love you always! Your Cornbread and Fisheyes ~ (Kaiden / Ri’en) ~ ~ Your Grandson-in-Law “Sho Boat” (Lorrenzo Sr) ~

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Until we meet again. I will Granny, thank you for the loving memories. We miss you

always keep you in my heart. and will always love you. Until we meet again. Your Granddaughter-in-law ~ The Rest of the Family ~ ~ “Cookie” (Marquita) ~

Order of Service Celebrating the Life of Katie Smith Mistress of Ceremony – Sis. Melissa Jackson We were together almost every day, passing time away. I was there for you; you were there for me. I thought Processional ...... Clergy & Family we would be together for eternity. Then I realized that you were leaving me. I would do anything to hear Musical Prelude ...... “For the Good Times Presentation” you curse me out. You taught me to be strong and, never let people see me sweat, and to push through Welcome...... Melissa Jackson whatever obstacles that may come my way. You taught me to cry inside my pillows at night but the one thing you never taught me was how to live without you. You will live in my heart forever. Prayer ...... Rev. Dr. Gregory Robertson

New King Solomon Yazoo City, MS ~ Your Chocolate Drop (Donjala “Nikki”) ~ Scripture ...... Rev. Dr. Gregory Robertson Obituary Reading ...... Sammia Thomas Words of Encouragement / Benediction ...... Rev. Dr. Gregory Robertson

Final Viewing ...... Last Mile of the Way” ...... Shaffer-Collins Funeral Directors My precious granny...Words cannot express how To my granny, I miss you so much. I Recessional...... “Love and Happiness” ...... Clergy, Family & Friends much I miss you. I do not know which way to go miss calling you every morning to check on you; making sure you ate breakfast anymore. You took care of me from a baby until I was a 35-year-old man. I am lost granny, but I know with and that you had your cup of coffee. I you in my mind, heart, and soul hopefully; I will find miss coming to your house and sitting the way you intended me to go...Love you baby!!! on the porch with you while you gossip You will always live through me. about your friends and bingo. I miss your “I love you” and “be careful” every ~ Your Marble Eyes (Robert Earl) ~ time I left your house or when we ended our phone conversations. Granny your

presence always made me feel fulfilled and happy. You had a way of being My Granny, My Granny. Katie Lou from Yazoo.... unapologetically yourself while being Words cannot explain how I already miss you, but I super funny at the same time. You loved do not want to be selfish, you are free now but my us all deeply, and we felt it. I hope you love for you is eternal. I Love you! were able to feel our love pouring right Your Fat Baby Shorty (Valencia) back at you. Because we love you so much. Then, now, and forever. We will

take care of momma for you. I am still so hurt that you are not here anymore, and Granny I miss and love you. I Remember when you I am still healing but I know for sure you told me that my next child was going to be a girl. would want us to be strong for momma Well, I got that girl. And every time I look at her, I and that you are ok. I feel within me that think of you. This seems so unreal we were supposed you are at peace now that you are with to celebrate our birthday together this year. But I God. Your beautiful soul will continue to know you and Bama are back together and I am at live with all of us. I love you so much peace now that you are with her. Katie Lou, I promise to keep you close to SHAKE THAT THANG! my heart forever!! Love you Granny, ~ Your Red Man (Quell) ~ ~ Your Skeeter (Ronald) ~

A Daughter’s Promise

Every time I smile, every time I sigh, I think of your face, and a tear escapes my eye.

You were my world, my inspiration, and my heart, But when you left me, I thought I would fall apart. You were my best friend, my one true confidant, And that is not all you were. You were also my mom. I did not want to live without you,

but you would have wanted me to, And if there is anyone, I want to make happy, that anyone is you. I would have given anything to have you back, But I know now that it was meant to be, For you are still watching from up there,

And I know you are watching me. I will make you proud, Mom. I am going to fulfill your wish. You're going to see me and smile. That is a daughter's promise. I Love You, Delores Your Only Child

Those we love, will never go away, for as long as there is a memory, they are in our hearts to stay. Not a day has gone by that I do not think of you, with a smile on my face. I will remember these words (I am KATIE

LOU, From Yazoo.) And SHOW YOU RIGHT!! Your Memories I will hold forever in my heart.

Love, Your Son in Law, (Jamie)