Cover photo for Allen Smith Jr.'s Obituary
Allen Smith Jr. Profile Photo
1931 Allen 2020

Allen Smith Jr.

February 9, 1931 — October 27, 2020

The Life of a Legend

Dr. Allen Smith, Jr. was born February 9, 1931 in Greenwood, Mississippi to the late Reverend Allen Smith, Sr. and Virlee Smith. He was the eldest of three children and was preceded in death his brother, Alfred Smith and sister, Evelyn-Smith Thurmond. Allen Smith, Jr. was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in the Mississippi River by the founder of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, at the age of 11 years old. At that time, Dr. Smith knew he wanted to preach the gospel. The Smith family moved to St. Louis, Missouri when he was young where they attended the Bostic Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Bostic.

Dr. Allen Smith was ordained as a minister in the Church of God in Christ. Once ordained, he graduated from high school, and enlisted in the Marine Corps. During enlistment, he received recognition for National Defense Service and Good Conduct. After honorably serving this country, Dr. Allen Smith, Jr, moved to Chicago, Illinois where he joined the Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Lenox and was later elevated to an ordained Elder. After years of evangelizing, in 1965, the Lord spoke to Dr. Allen Smith to begin his own church using the motto "I believe God". Prince of Peace Church of God In Christ started in his home. Membership and services began to grow requiring him to secure a building for the church. During this time, he was also employed by the United States Postal Service. He met, fell in love, and married his wife, Dorothy Waits-Smith on June 11, 1980. Dr. Smith and Sister Dorothy Smith worked side-by-side in ministry on the West side of Chicago; eventually moving to the South side of the city where the church remained until his retirement from pastoring in 2002.

After retirement, Dr. Smith and Sister Smith moved to Memphis Tennessee where they worshiped at New Beginnings Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor James Griffin. They later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee and began worshiping at Tabernacle of Faith Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Felton Smith (Pastor) and Cathedral of Praise Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Jerry L. Maynard (Pastor).

On October 27, 2020, Dr. Allen Smith, Jr. slipped from time into eternity at the wonderful age of 89 years old. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted and loving wife of 40 years, Dorothy Smith, two daughters: Dr. Cheryl Brown and Dr. Wanda Rice, one son-in-law: Udall Rice, three grandchildren: Alexandria Rice, Jeremy Rice, and Shannon Rice; four sisters-in-law: Mary Page, Effie Davis, Verna Dowden, and Carolyn Waits. Also, three nephews: Marcus Thurmond (Angela), Michael Thurmond, and Eric Smith (JoAnn); three nieces: Andrea Bland (Lawrence), Yvette Wilson, and Virla Ann Thurmond. He also leaves a host of cousins, distant family, and friends all over this country. And last, but definitely not least, his Prince of Peace Church of God in Christ family in Chicago, Illinois.

Merits and Accomplishments

* Personal driver for Bishop Lewis Henry Ford 1st Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ
* Honorary Doctoral Degree conferred in 1991 by Bishop C.C. Owens
* Director of Pastors Music Guild, Chicago Chapter under the direction of Dr. Mildred Lewis
* Superintendent of the Daniel Bostic Memorial District. 7th Jurisdiction Illinois, Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Bishop R. E. Edward Goodwin, Sr. (Pastor)
* Administrative Assistant, 7th Jurisdiction Illinois under the leadership of Bishop R. E, Edward Goodwin (Pastor)
* National Adjutant of the Church of God in Christ International
* 1986 Candidate for National Treasurer of the Church of God in Christ
* 1999Administrative Assistant IMEJ Jurisdiction 1
* Regular Sunday School Panelist for Chicago Access, Preachers of America Television Show

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association ( www.heart.org ) where research may result in breakthroughs for others with heart disease.

To help keep friends and family safe to congregate and to travel due to the current CoVid-19 epidemic, a Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Dr. Smith will be planned and announced at a later date.

You may offer condolences online at www.austinandbell.com . Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Hendersonville is honored to be entrusted with his care.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Allen Smith Jr., please visit our flower store.

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