Obituary for Evangelist First Lady Alameda Gatewood Smith
- Date Of Birth: September 28, 1952
- Date Of Death: March 9, 2023
- State: Mississippi
Evangelist First Lady Alameda Gatewood-Smith was born in Byhalia, MS, on September 28, 1952, to the late Mr. Van Vester Gatewood and Mrs. Norvia Ella Gatewood, as the eighth child. She transitioned this life on March 9, 2023, at the North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS.
She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and joined Newell Chapel C.M.E. Church, Victoria, MS. She received Christ under the leader- ship of Elder John Payne and Missionary Dorothy Garrison (COGIC), on Handley Street in Memphis, TN. Under the leader- ship of her eldest son, the late Bishop Michael T. Gatewood and founder Missionary Dorothy Garrison, the church relocated to Victoria, MS, as Straightway Gospel Tabernacle Church (LICM). She later served as First Lady, under the leadership of her husband, Pastor Gerald K. Smith.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mr. Van Vester Gatewood, and mother, Mrs. Norvia Ella Gatewood; five brothers: Mr. Willie L. Gatewood, Mr. Arthur Gatewood, Mr. Elvin Gatewood Sr., Mr. Vannie Gatewood and Mr. Terry Gatewood (Mary Francis); one sister: Ms. Earnestine (Gatewood) Sykes; one son Bishop Michael T. Gatewood (Jocelyn), and a mother-n-law, Ms. Anna Smith.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her beloved husband of fourteen (14) years, Pastor Gerald K. Smith; two sons Mr. Marco Lashun Rogers and Mr. Joe Earl Rogers Jr. (Shirley) of Victoria, MS , daughter-in-law Jocelyn Gatewood and one step-son Gerald Bates of Tupelo, MS; two step-daughters Tequila Williams and Veronica Moore (Mearino) of Ashland, MS; six brothers Mr. Velva Lee Gatewood of Memphis, TN, Mr. Henry C. Gatewood of Jackson- ville, FL, Mr. John W. Gatewood, Mr. Wallace C. Gatewood (Brenda) of Byhalia, MS, Mr. Winford Neely (Betty) of Olive Branch, MS, Mr. Alvin Pritchard (Bennie) of Holly Springs, MS; three sisters Ms. Lillie M. Brown of Victoria, MS, Mrs. Loretta Gates (Wade) of Tupelo, MS, Ms. Kathryn Houston of Memphis, TN; six sister-in-laws: Ms. Mary Francis Gatewood of Victoria, MS, Ms. Darlene Cox of Ripley, MS, Ms. Carolyn Smith, Ms. Brenda Gatewood of Byhalia, MS, Ms. Betty Neely of Olive Branch, MS, and Ms. Bennie Pritchard of Holly Springs, MS; two brother-n-law: Mr. Aaron Smith (Norva) and Mr. Henry D. Smith, Jr. (Carolyn) and one god-daughter, Ms Sherretta Gatewood of Tupelo, MS; seven grandchildren: Michael T. Gatewood II, MaLeik Gatewood, Tiarme Gatewood, Taderia Rogers, Jonaysia Rogers, Makhia Rogers and Jada Rogers; and one great-grand Royaity Jai McBroom: five step-grandchildren: Mar’Ke’V’on Moore, Ta’Kerriyan Moore, Ka Terrous Williams, Aa’Ni’yya Williams, and Za’Karee’ya Williams; and a great-host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
