- Date Of Birth: April 9, 1947
- Date Of Death: October 17, 2022
- State: Colorado
Jules Earl Smith, was born prematurely to the late Pastor John Smith and Sarah Cotton Kennedy Smith on April 9, 1947 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was named by a touring doctor who thought the premature baby was a precious jewel. He was the third of six children. On Monday, October 17, 2022 at 7:27 am Jules received a summons from his earthly house of pain and suffering to his mansion just over the hilltop, on the eternal streets of glory.
Jules was educated in the public schools of West Feliciana Parish in St. Francisville, Louisiana, where he graduated from John S. Dawson High School with honors as third in his class.
Jules was always preparing for Christian leadership.
As he began his Christian journey, he developed his essential leadership and clergical skills, which were instilled in him by his parents.
He met a young lady, Ida Ruth Gice, the younger sister of a classmate he was tutoring, Fred Gice. He bribed Fred to bring his younger sister to his 16th birthday party and their enduring love was sparked that evening. They married in 1969 and from this union two children were born, Alicia Terrelle and Kimani Darmon Smith.
In the fall of 1969 he graduated from Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. Jules was recruited at the Southern University Placement Center for his first professional job at Western Union Telegraph Company. He moved his young family to New York City, the “Big Apple” for this opportunity. Jules excelled in all levels of sales and eventually became a Regional Vice President. Jules was the first African American to travel and train others in the field of telecommunications, singing telegrams, mail grams and many other tele-type products.
Pastor Smith was known for his inspiring soul-reaching sermons and well-versed Bible studies. He was an energetic preacher and has been called “A Preacher’s Pastor”. He guided, advised and ordained sixty-five sons and daughters in the ministry over the years. He was considered a spiritual father to many and was called “Pops” by men and women around the globe.
Pastor Smith received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Union Theological School, New York, New York; Masters in Biblical Studies, Union Baptist School of Theology, Denver, Colorado;
Doctorate of Divinity, Survine Ministries, Denver, Colorado; Doctor of Ministry, Denver Urban Theological Institute, Denver, Colorado and a Doctorate of Divinity, St. Thomas University, Jacksonville, Florida.
He was the 1st Vice President of the General Missionary Baptist Convention.
In November 2021, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He completed a stem cell transplant, several rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation. He fought every step of the way. He succumbed to these illnesses at home on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 7:27 am surrounded by his loving wife and children.
He leaves to cherish and adore his memory, his sweetheart of sixty years, Reverend Dr. Ida Ruth Gice Smith, two adult children, Alicia “Lisa” Young (Reverend J Michael) and Kimani Smith; a daughter-in-love, Seyria Smiley (Anthony) of Newnan Georgia; three grandchildren, SGT Breon Cre Smith, US Army; Brennon “Rudii” Smith, Brooklyn Caprice Hicks (Nicholas) and one great grandchild, Brooks Alexander Hicks. His surviving siblings are Nettie Mae Robinson and Deacon John Henry Smith both of St. Francisville, Louisiana. His sister-in-laws Johnnie M. Cobbins of Dallas, Texas; Mary L. Callies (Lonnie) of Aurora, Colorado and E. Teresa Nelson (MacArthur) of Ventress, Louisiana. His very close and ‘favorite” cousins Mary Elliot of Riverdale, Georgia; Dianne Williams (Jerry “Johnny”) of Baker, Louisiana; Ruby Arcenaux and Brenda Lewis of Las Vegas, Nevada; Shirley (Raymond) Washington of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Royal Arcenaux (Debra) of Hammond, Louisiana. His nephew and son in the ministry Bishop Calvin N. Emery (Pastor Shawne) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His adopted son Curtis Powells; a close friend and confidante Deacon Don Griggs (Donna); his first son in the ministry Pastor Gregory Johnson, faithful friends Ruth Pettes, Eileen Burnley, Cora Hampton, William Payne, a special daughter Teisha Robinson all of Colorado, and his son in the ministry Pastor James Henry Buck, Jr. of Pennsylvania- all who cared for him in his final days and hours.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pastor John and Sarah Smith, and his three brothers; William, Eddie Lee and Emmanuel.
This true and dedicated servant of the Most High God will be missed.
