Mother Donna Marie Smith

Obituary For Mother Donna Marie Smith

Mother Donna Marie (Butts) Smith, 82, entered the Church Triumphant on November 27, 2025. Mother Smith was born on June 15, 1943, to the union of Eula Mae Curry and Robert McCaskill. She was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by her.

This journey of Mother Donna began in the vibrant city of Youngstown, where she blossomed into a deeply caring soul, embodying patience and understanding in every moment. A graduate of the Rayen School, Donna dedicated her life to the noble profession of a nursing assistant, spreading warmth and compassion at Rolling Acres Nursing Home. Her kindness shone brightly as she lent a helping hand and a listening ear to those in need, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts she encountered for thirty-one years. She was admired for rendering compassionate care with dignity extended to each patient she served.

Mother Donna was united in holy matrimony to Bishop Arnold Smith Sr., whom she knew since the age of nine, on August 31, 1966. Together, as partners in marriage and ministry, they lovingly raised eight children while advancing the Kingdom of God. She was member of the Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God for over five decades. Mother Smith humbly served, alongside her husband, as the First Lady of St. Peters Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church in Youngstown, Ohio.

In 1991 she relocated to Detroit, Michigan with her husband and continued her role as the First Lady of Mt. Sinai Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church. She enjoyed serving as Sunday School Secretary and Mother of the Church. She took special delight in attending the Annual Pentecost Convention.

One of her heartfelt goals was to establish a daycare for the working mothers of her church. She lovingly provided childcare for many of the mothers in her church. She opened her home without hesitation to those in need of nurturing and guidance. She took joy in bringing a smile to others and making them feel cared for and loved. Mother Smith lived a life of faith, resilience, and love.

Mother Donna gave her best, supporting and encouraging her family while showing kindness quietly, letting her actions reflect her devotion to God, family, friends and humanity. Her laughter was infectious, lighting up every room she entered. Despite her fears, she embraced life fully, taking a cruise, flying, and traveling to be present in her children’s lives. Her personal indulgences were baking, reading and doing crossword puzzles, shopping and having her children and grandchildren with her.

Mother Smith leaves to cherish and honor her memory her husband Bishop Arnold K. Smith Sr.; children: Vicky (Alfred) Hicks, Brian (Denise) Butts, Mark (Gloria) Smith, KaTina (Percy) Thornton; Darelene (Tony) Jackson, Phyllis Wiggins, Sandy Perkins; LaTarsha Carter-Robinson whom she raised as one of her own children; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters/friends Barbara Burkes, Shirley Johnson, and Brenda Clardy; sisters-in-laws Edna Bush and Audrey Harris; godchildren; and a massive score of nieces, nephews, family and friends who she loved wholly.

As her faith became sight, Mother Donna became reunited with her parents, son Pastor Arnold K. Smith II, brother Alvin Hopkins and sister-in-law Lena Hopkins, each who preceded her into eternity. In the tender embrace of love, Mother Smith will always be remembered as a shining beacon of kindness- a spirit that will live on in the hearts of all she touched.

Let us come together to honor her memory, carrying forward the compassion that defined her life. In recognition of a well-loved and lived life, the Smith Family welcomes the community to a 10:00 AM public viewing on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave.

At 11:00 AM family & friends will then gather in remembrance to honor her legacy with a Celebration of Life Service where Pastor Linda Hall will lead the service, with Pastor James L. Wright from the Sheriff Temple Apostolic Overcoming Holy Church of God serving as the eulogist.

Following the committal ceremony, Mother Donna will be interned to rest in eternal peace among the serene meadows of the Belmont Park Cemetery. In her memory, let us embody the qualities she held dear—compassion, kindness, and a commitment to caring for one another as she did so effortlessly.

The Smith Family requests you remember Mother Donna for the way she lived her life and the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Goodbyes are not forever and are not the end. It simply means we will miss you until we see you again.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Mother Donna Marie Smith elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.