Cornelius Smith

Obituary For Cornelius Smith

PLACE OF SERVICE: New Bethel M.B. Church, Sallis, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday, 04/30/2022

INTERMENT: New Bethel Cemetry, Sallis, MS

VISITATION: Friday, 04/29/2022 at 9:00a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Cornelius Smith, Sr., better known as Smitty, was born on September 25, 1947 to Rosie L. Williams Smith and William Brenton Henderson, Sr. in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He received his education and graduated from ND Tailor High in Yazoo City. Throughout his childhood, he always proved himself to be a hard worker; he had paper routes and worked his way up to be a caddie at the local golf club. He graduated from high school and went on to serve in the Army branch of the military starting on October 4, 1966. While serving, he received recognitions such as the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense medal, the Expert M-14 award and others.

He returned home and married Barbara Jean Harmon on February 28, 1970. Soon after, they relocated to Detroit, Michigan and to that special union there were four children born: Wanda, Cornelius Jr. Geneva and Crystal. He would go on to seek employment at Ford Motor Company where he worked for over 35 years. While working and raising a family, he also went on to obtain a college degree from Wayne State University in 1977.

Smitty loved the Lord and loved sharing the Word of God with all, especially the children. He served in various positions with his family at Henderson Temple Church of God in Christ. He served as the sunday school teacher and director over the YPWW youth ministries. He would load us up and take us to places like Niagara Falls, Edgewater, Wheels Inn Resort, and Cedar Point. Smitty was a lover of life. He liked to travel, drive around and explore, played golf, loved baseball, and playing pool. And more than anything he loved sharing in these activities with his family.

On April 13, 2022, Cornelius Sr. was called home. He is preceded in death by his parents Rosie L. Williams Smith and William Brenton Henderson, Sr. his brothers Anzo (Josephine) Smith, Martin Smith, William Henderson, Jr., and his second mother Esther Henderson.

He leaves to mourn his siblings: Alice Smith, Lonzo Smith (Vandella), Lois Henderson, Lynda Porter (Cochise), Edwin Henderson Sr. (Verenda), Aute Phyllis Henderson, Annie Smith and Ike Mcgruder. His kids: Wanda Rule, Cornelius Smith, Jr. (Cheryl), Geneva Bradford (Alvin III), Crystal Smith. Grandkids: Jeremy Bradford, Jonathon Rule, Janina Bradford, Barbara Rule, Alexander Kole, Matthew Bradford, Ayana Sneed, Wilbert Sneed, Madelein Rule, Anaiah Smith, Naomi Smith, Alvin Bradford IV. Great Grandchildren; Hasani Little and Santana Martin and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; friends and extended family.