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Obituary For Mrs. Minnie Louise Hutchins Smith
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.
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Dana Brandenberger sent Heavenly Grace Spray for Mrs. Minnie Louise Hutchins Smith - February 14, 2025
Susie M Johnson sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Minnie Louise Hutchins Smith - February 13, 2025
Ralph Smith sent Mixed Spray for Mrs. Minnie Louise Hutchins Smith - February 12, 2025
Stephanie Turpin sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Minnie Louise Hutchins Smith - February 08, 2025
Thank you Craig....Yes your Mom was and will always be ALL THAT!!! You know she made a big impression on me even so many years ago 17 years old....she made an huge impression then and even more now. (I just turned 60) ......She was always so loving, but just as tuff for someone so small in size. I am so glad I was able to attend her home going, and I am so sorry that I did not even know she was in the hospital ....otherwise I would have definitely gone to see her....because I know it would have made her smile to see me after all these years. I would have loved to have told her of all my struggles, but more importantly of all my triumphs in spite of the struggles. I know she would be so proud to see where I am today and that I grew up to be a very independent woman and completed almost 15 years of school. I was honored to hear your sister Connie speak and see the light of your mother that shines through her, your sister Sandra telling of the true love in your beautiful family, Reggie and his devotion and even Darryl in his own words and in his own way. I know how much you loved her and she was your everything....your Queen, and I know how difficult that day was for you. We have all come a very long way but people like your mother laid groundwork and love in not only me but so many others whose light will never diminish....her legacy will truly never be forgotten and will live on in all of us she so graciously touched.
Danielle
She was our first sister-in-law. May the peace of the Lord be with the family! Much love!
As I sit down to write this letter, a flood of memories fills my heart. The moments we shared, the wisdom you imparted, and the love you so freely gave are treasures I will hold onto forever. Finding the right words to express my feelings is difficult, but I want to take this moment to say goodbye.
It's painful to accept that I'll never hear your voice again or feel the warmth of your embrace. There are so many things I wish I had said, yet I hope you always knew how deeply you were loved. Not just by me, but by everyone whose life you touched.
Grandma, thank you for everything. I will miss you more than words can ever convey. Until we meet again, please know that I love you and will carry a part of you with me always.
With all my love, Your first grandchild, Sheldon
(CNA) JEANNE What an Amazing person and what a Remarkable Life. I feel so lucky that I was part of the Family. There are no words for the Legacy Minnie has left on her family.Her shining Personality will live on in your hearts. My Husband and I are so sorry for your loss. May the ALmighty God keep you Guys strong.
Dear Mama:
Oh my... January 31, 2025 marks your last breath on Earth. My heart is broken but it overflows with a love that will never fade. I will always honor you and your name, Mama, Queen-Warrior!
God is still speaking in the wind... and I am listening and giving Him praise for your full journey and your witness.
I thank God for your 87.5 years and every minute of life from (July 5, 1937 - January 31, 2025). We can write many books on how you defied the medical odds beyond the expectations of your doctors. Your life mattered - regardless!
You knew God was in control of your life! You taught them ~ over and over again ~ about your God!
In the last mile, you taught us that "the battle was the Lord's." You spoke and lived in your truth!
We advocated for you. We fought for you because we witnessed your faith to make of life everything in your power!
Thank you for the legacy of an unbreakable bond as Mama, Queen Warrior!
Your voice led me to find my own and my God.
Your fierce determination as a southern Black woman, daughter, sister, wife, mama, aunt, grandparent, great-grandmother, and woman of God molded your children, grand children, and great-grand children!
You blessed your new great-granddaughter only a few weeks ago. She looks amazingly like you and your mother, Grandma Mattie Mae Bell Hutchins! Ase'
You ARE our gift from God! Nothing can ever separate us from you!
Rest in the presence of almighty God and our ancestors. It is finished for now! I will see you again! We will see you again!
Well done, Mama!
Amen! Ase'
Connie
Mama I will always Love you! I will always Miss you! I will! I will! I will! Your Oldest Daughter
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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