Minnie Louise Hutchins was born on July 5, 1937, and raised in Blakely, Georgia, Early County, and is the last surviving daughter for Mr. Johnnie B. Hutchins and Mrs. Mattie Mae Bell Hutchins. Both her parents preceded her in death.

After being educated in the public schools in Early County, Georgia, she and her young husband and several family members migrated in the early 1950s from the dusty red clay roads in Georgia to start a new life in Hallandale Beach, South Florida, and in Broward County. They wanted a new taste of freedom, and they did not stop until they achieved it.

In the early 1950s, she and her late husband, Robert Joshuaway Smith, Sr. established their first home in Florida, where she resided for over seventy years, and they raised their eight children on 4th Avenue in Hallandale. She built a home with love and blessings by God, and a determination to make the next generation even stronger. The children in the community could always find a beautiful smile, words of encouragement, a big hug, and a warm meal at her kitchen table.

She was an active member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, under the late Rev. C.O Foster, the late Rev. Joseph C. Johnson, and Rev. Wayne Allen, where she sang in the choir during her early years. Her children were baptized at Ebenezer and followed their mother’s love for God and service to the community.

Mrs. Minnie L. Smith gave birth to her first son, Robert Joshuaway Smith, Jr. in 1954. Her children were educated in the public school system in Broward County, Florida in addition to graduating from colleges and universities, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps., and building careers in the private sector.

As a mother, she nurtured her family, and she worked in personal homes and eventually moved to the public school system. She retired in 1996 from the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) after decades of working to maintain the buildings and classroom environments for learning at Hallandale High School. The students knew that “Mrs. Minnie” had their backs, protected them from school bullies, and encouraged them to always do their best!

Affectionately called “Mrs. Minnie,” this young mother spent quality time with her eight children, nineteen grandchildren, and energetic great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. An amazing mother, her children served as her caregivers in the final years of her life, and she knew that she was well loved.

Mrs. Minnie Louise Hutchins Smith joined the ancestors on Friday, January 31, 2025, after a complete and productive life. This majestic tree planted deep roots to flourish and rise for generations! She reached a significant birth year of 87.6 years old on earth.

Mrs. Minnie L. Smith was blessed to witness and nurture five generations, including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She blessed her newest great-great-granddaughter in December 2024.

Her youngest brother, an Army Vietnam Veteran, John L. Hutchins, is her last surviving sibling. They enjoyed a beautiful and close relationship of daily conversations to reminisce about family and the future.

Her husband, Robert J. Smith, Sr., preceded her in death in 1999. Her oldest son, Robert J. Smith, Jr. preceded her in death in 2009.

Six siblings preceded her in death: Paul Bell (U.S. Marine, Korean War), Robert Hutchins, Frankie Mae Hutchins Womack, Willie Hutchins, James Hutchins, and Eva Mae Hutchins.

Her seven devoted children and caregivers “arise and call her blessed” and Queen-Mother-Warrior. She is survived by Sandra G. Smith; Pam Smith; Teresa M. Smith Morning; Connie F. Smith-Lindsey (Bryan Keith); Reginald K. Smith, Sr. (U.S. Marine), (MaryAnn); Craig J. Smith, Sr., and Darryl E. Smith, Sr.

She is survived by twenty grandchildren. They are Sheldon D. Mozie; Sr., Larez Felder, Shanton Brown, Rasheda Smith, Reginald Smith, Jr. Reeshemah Smith Black, Jillian Y. Smith, Robert Joshuaway Smith, III, Brian Bartlett, Corey Stanley, Jessica Childers, Craig J. Smith, Jr., Antonio Rivera, Crystal Smith, Princess Smith, Nijah Morning, Darryl E. Smith, Jr., D’Angel Smith, Chastity Smith, and Jovan McDonald.

Our Queen-Mother-Warrior is survived by several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and treasured friends.

The worship service celebrating her life and legacy is Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church at 816 NW 1st Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida, 33009.

The Smith Family will receive visitors on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Interment is Hallandale Beach Cemetery.

Updated 2/6/25: The Celebration of Life at Ebenezer has changed to 10:30 AM.