Lizzie Smith (Lansing)

Mrs. Lizzie Ann Whitley Smith passed away Friday, March 10, 2017 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Age 65 years. She was born November 15, 1951 to Mrs. Fannie Bailey Whitley Brookins in Indianola, Mississippi, the 3rd of 11 children.

Lizzie, fondly known as Liz, attended the public schools of Indianola, Mississippi, graduating from Gentry High School in 1970. Her seeds of Christianity took root at an early age when Liz accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She joined the Bethel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the Reverend Willie Jenkins.

Liz later relocated to Lansing, Michigan with the love of her life, Billy Smith and their son, Michael. She became a member of New Hope Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Willie Wade until his death. She continued her membership under the leadership of Elder James Martin until her health failed.

Liz was employed with St. Lawrence Hospital for over 19 years until her retirement in 1997. She cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved cooking for her family, shopping and reminiscing of days gone by. Liz enjoyed watching Snapped, Animal Planet, Court TV (Judge Judy) and basketball particularly the Detroit Pistons and Michigan State University Spartans. Her favorite color was yellow and she loved yellow roses.

Our beloved, Lizzie Ann Smith, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 10, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted and loving husband, Billy Smith; her only son, Michael L. (Trinisha) Smith; four grandchildren, Diamond, Taishon, Donyae and Jonye; three great-grandchildren, Alanna, Chanel and Thaddeus Jr. all of Lansing, Michigan; two loving sisters, Celestine (Alex) Barksdale, Long Branch, New Jersey and Fannie (Larry) Whitley Dozier, Indianola, Mississippi; four brothers, Dexter D. (Gloria) Whitley, Jackson, Mississippi; Recarter Whitley, Nelson Brookins and James Brookins all of Greenville, Mississippi; five sister-in-laws; Emma Peters, Lillie Wade, Lizzie Brown, Ora Smith and Jacqueline Smith; five brother-in-laws, Johnnie Smith, George (Bonita) Smith, Roosevelt (Joyce) Smith, Rogers (Rachel) Smith and Jonathan (Deanna) Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her special and beloved grandmother, Mrs. Fannie Bryant Bailey Powell; her mother, Mrs. Fannie Brookins; two sisters, Eleanora Whitley and Georgia Whitley; brother, Jackie Lynn Whitley; and a nephew raised as a brother, George William Whitley; and brother-in-law, Leon Smith.