Emma Ruth Smith
August 11th, 1933 - March 23rd, 2024
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Emma Ruth's Obituary
Emma Ruth Ferguson was born August 11, 1933 in Newbern, Tennessee to Preston and Lillian Ferguson.
In 1950, Mother Smith was joined in marriage to Arthur Smith and the couple would later move to Covert,
Michigan where they reared eight beloved children. In 1975, a beautiful daughter was added to the family
by the late Joel Lewis.
Mother Smith, a devoted Christian, accepted Christ at an early age. For many years, she served as an Usher
at Trinity Baptist Church in Covert, Michigan, under the leadership of the late Reverend Nobel Sanders.
After his demise, Mother Smith joined Faith Temple of Christ All Nations Ministry under the leadership of
Pastor Lillie Clarke-Pearson. She served there faithfully until her desire to be closer to her children lead her
to become an active member of Resurrection Life Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Joe O. Wilkins,
Sr., where she served on the Mother’s Board.
Mother Smith enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and being around her family. Mother Smith was
called from her earthly labor to her heavenly reward, when she peacefully departed this life on Saturday,
March 23, 2024 with her loving children at her side.
Mother Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Preston and Lillian Ferguson; husband, Arthur Smith;
brother, L.C. Reed; sisters, Ollie Whitfield and Mae Lane; son, Chester James Smith; daughter, Cynthia Marie
Smith; granddaughter, Demonica Ann Denise Smith, and grandson, Cordell Madden.
Mother Smith leaves to cherish her memories; children, Arthur (Beverly) Smith, Demetria (Thomas) McKenzie,
Larry Smith (significant other, Vanessa Fricke), Deborah (Mickey) Paul, Alvin (Jeanan) Smith, Marvin Smith, and
Lillian (Rafale) Rollins; nineteen grandchildren; forty-seven great grandchildren; forty-seven great-great
grandchildren; special niece, Carmen Lewis; special friend, Margaret Cooper-McDonald, and a host of nephews,
nieces, cousins, family and friends.
Visitation will be at the Resurrection Life Ministries, Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with funeral
service following at 12:00 p.m. with Bishop Joe O. Wilkins, Sr. officiating. Emma Ruth Smith will be laid to rest at
Covert Cemetery 30069 M-140 Hwy. Covert, Michigan 49043.
To view Emma's personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to
Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services,
269-637-0333.
In 1950, Mother Smith was joined in marriage to Arthur Smith and the couple would later move to Covert,
Michigan where they reared eight beloved children. In 1975, a beautiful daughter was added to the family
by the late Joel Lewis.
Mother Smith, a devoted Christian, accepted Christ at an early age. For many years, she served as an Usher
at Trinity Baptist Church in Covert, Michigan, under the leadership of the late Reverend Nobel Sanders.
After his demise, Mother Smith joined Faith Temple of Christ All Nations Ministry under the leadership of
Pastor Lillie Clarke-Pearson. She served there faithfully until her desire to be closer to her children lead her
to become an active member of Resurrection Life Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Joe O. Wilkins,
Sr., where she served on the Mother’s Board.
Mother Smith enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and being around her family. Mother Smith was
called from her earthly labor to her heavenly reward, when she peacefully departed this life on Saturday,
March 23, 2024 with her loving children at her side.
Mother Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Preston and Lillian Ferguson; husband, Arthur Smith;
brother, L.C. Reed; sisters, Ollie Whitfield and Mae Lane; son, Chester James Smith; daughter, Cynthia Marie
Smith; granddaughter, Demonica Ann Denise Smith, and grandson, Cordell Madden.
Mother Smith leaves to cherish her memories; children, Arthur (Beverly) Smith, Demetria (Thomas) McKenzie,
Larry Smith (significant other, Vanessa Fricke), Deborah (Mickey) Paul, Alvin (Jeanan) Smith, Marvin Smith, and
Lillian (Rafale) Rollins; nineteen grandchildren; forty-seven great grandchildren; forty-seven great-great
grandchildren; special niece, Carmen Lewis; special friend, Margaret Cooper-McDonald, and a host of nephews,
nieces, cousins, family and friends.
Visitation will be at the Resurrection Life Ministries, Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with funeral
service following at 12:00 p.m. with Bishop Joe O. Wilkins, Sr. officiating. Emma Ruth Smith will be laid to rest at
Covert Cemetery 30069 M-140 Hwy. Covert, Michigan 49043.
To view Emma's personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to
Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services,
269-637-0333.
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