Mrs. Mildred Ann (Roberts) Smith

Mildred Ann Roberts-Smith was born January 8, 1929, in Shannon, MS.  Mildred was the firstborn of eight children to the union of Garland and Mary Roberts: Mildred, Garland Jr., Juanita, Tarnell, Reuben, Pauline, Glover, and Ernestine.  Mildred was considered her siblings' second mother because she cared for them every day while their parents worked sun-up to sun-down on their 105-acre farm.  At a young age, Mildred cooked meals, cared for the younger children, and maintained the household until their parents returned home in the late afternoon from working their land.  The family attended Union Baptist Church, where Mildred dedicated her life to the Lord at an early age.  She graduated from Shannon High School and then attended nursing school where she obtained a Nursing Certificate. She worked at the schools in Shannon as a teacher's assistant and served as the school nurse.  One day while playing basketball, Mildred caught the eye of a handsome, young, recently discharged soldier; Willie Bell Smith. They started dating and eventually were married in November 1950; Willie Bell was 30 and Mildred was 21 years old. To this union six children were born; Willie Clarence, Mary, Danny, Pauline, Jerome, and David. The first four children were born in Shannon, MS; the family relocated to Grand Rapids, MI in November 1958, where the younger two boys were born.

In an effort to contribute to the household financially, Mildred had several side jobs. She worked at a restaurant, did laundry, and she cleaned homes. Mildred went back to school to achieve her cosmetology certification. She became a beautician and served her customers for over 50 years, retiring in her mid 70’s.  In addition, Mildred was a foster care provider and she also owned and operated an in-home daycare. 

In the summer months, Willie Bell and Mildred believed in having a large vegetable garden. Every Saturday the family would plant, weed, pick, and then can or freeze their harvest. 

The Smith’s home was known as “headquarters” because extended family members knew they could share important information such as; special events, sicknesses, deaths, weddings, and meetings, etc.  Everyone would gather for pizza parties on Friday or Saturday nights, and on Sundays after church, everyone would often meet for dessert or homemade ice cream. There was always plenty of food to eat and family members knew they were loved and always welcomed. Anytime you entered Mildred’s home, she would sweetly greet you with a smile and BIG hug, then ask, “Are you hungry?”  When you were ready to leave, she would always say, “You know I love you!”. 

Mildred has been an active member of the St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church since 1958. Over the years she has served in many roles; on the bereavement/kitchen committee, as a Sunday school teacher, Missionary, and on the Trustee aides.  

Mildred lost her husband in 1982 over 40 years ago and she is a 2 time breast cancer survivor. Her unwavering faith and intimate relationship with God, along with her determination and strong will helped her to overcome life challenges. Mildred’s servant heart, LOVE, and faith were the glue that held our family together.  Her prayer was for her children, grandchildren, and future generations to, “seek the Lord, be saved and be baptized, and to develop a strong prayer life”. Mildred's life started to decline in November 2023 after testing positive for Covid. She struggled with underlying health concerns until the Lord decided to call her home on Friday, October 4, 2024.

Proceeding her in death; was her husband Willie Bell Smith; her mother & father, Mary and Garland Roberts; brother Garland (Jr) Roberts; sister Juanita and (brother-in-law) Ozie Smith; sister Tarnell Browley; her daughter Mary Brown and her grandson Derek Smith. 

She leaves to mourn 5 children: Will Clarence Smith, Danny Smith, Pauline (Christopher) Mitchell, Jerome(Aleta) Smith, David Smith and a son-in-love, Rondy Brown.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy: Nariessa Smith-Makeda, Britney(Ray) Verwys-Gabriel, Elijah, Lucus, Zoe; Sauda Smith-Christopher, Nathifa Smith- D-Aujenique Taylor, Arion Smith, Torrianna Smith; Yolanda(Tyrone) Burnett-Taylor, Tiffany, Tianna; Ronda(Brent) Geers-Marlena, Melanie; Amanda(Andre) Scott-Andre Michael, Ana, Amarie; Aaron(Bubba)Brown-Hayden; Daniel Smith; Cherita(Nash) Ablo-Charlize, Zion;  Bryant(Audrey) Mitchell-Levi, Logan, Ellery; Nicholas Mitchell, Marae Smith, DJ Smith, James Smith, Justin Smith, Taylor(Steve) Smith-Stephen III, Maverick, Berkeley; Hailey Smith and Tori Smith. 

Siblings: Reuben Roberts, Pauline Ussery, Glover(Allean)Roberts, Ernestine(Fred) Bowman. Many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Four very special nieces: Joan Browley-Barnes, Robin Bonner, Charlie Mae Foster, and Linda Faye Thompson, who would all check in on her often. 

The St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church family and a very devoted class leader, Evelyn Witfield, along with six former daughter-in-loves; Cynthia Smith-Keys, Fatima Smith, Raquel Smith, Lisa Smith-Gholston, and Cheryl Smith.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Mildred Ann (Roberts) Smith, please visit our floral store.