Lula Gaines Smith

April 30, 2019

 

Mother Lula Gaines Smith, 92 years of age, passed away April 30, 2019.

Services will be held Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul M.B. Church, 2414

Thomasville Road, with the Rev. John Thomas officiating. Interment will follow at Jonas Lobe Cemetery in Bainbridge.

Lula Smith was born on June 11, 1926, in Bainbridge, Ga. to the late Tom and Margaret Gaines. She was the fifth of eight children. Three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

Lula completed her early schooling in the community where she was born. She attended and graduated from Hutto High School in Bainbridge.

She married her late husband (Otis) on February 11, 1951 and moved to Michigan in her early twenties. To this union was born one son, Philbert Smith and four daughters, Una Smith, Audris Smith, Sandra Smith and Selina Smith.

Lula was an excellent homemaker. She worked for the State of Michigan in the role of Chore Provider for a short period of time. She was an excellent home chef and baker (we will all miss those melt in your mouth rolls!!) She was a loving wife and devoted mother to her children. She was full of life and enjoyed her family, neighbors and church family.

In 1958, she accepted Christ and was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Bethel Church of the Apostolic Faith, Detroit, Mich. under the late B.J. Goode. She remained a faithful member at Bethel under the leadership of Elder Tommie Woods and Bishop Robert Young until she relocated to her hometown of Bainbridge.

At Bethel she served in several ministries: member of the Inspirational Choir, Missionary Ministry and Wednesday Prayer Band. She was a prayer Warrior!!

She was quiet and reserved, yet witty. Her faith and love for God resonated throughout her lifespan. She took her celestial flight on April 30, 2019. She was ready for her departure from earth to glory.

She leaves to rejoice and cherish loving memories, five children: Philbert (Melita) of Villa Ricca, Ga., Una, Audris of Southfield, Mich., Sandra of Detroit, Selina (devoted daughter and caregiver) of Bainbridge; two granddaughters, Nia and Ayanna of Villa Ricca; one loving-devoted brother Ananais (Pauline) Gaines of Bainbridge; one brother-in-law, Percy James Sr. of Bainbridge; Lucy Bell Floyd of Bainbridge and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Condolences may be sent to Bruton Mortuary.