Gussie Smith

Gussie Mae Youngblood Smith, age 69, died March 23, 2012.  Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, March 31, 2012 from Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Rodeheaver officiating and Harrison Funeral Home directing.  Visitation will be held Friday, March 30, 2012, from noon until 5 p.m.

Gussie Mae Youngblood Smith was born December 8, 1942 in Pike County (Troy) to the late Mr. Jake Youngblood and Mrs. Essie Mae King. Gussie confessed our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age uniting with the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. She attended the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church until she married the love of her life, Mr. James Smith, and moved to San Diego, California. Gussie attended the Academy Street High School in Troy.  Mrs. Gussie loved God, family, friends, her church and entertaining. Upon moving to San Diego, Gussie and her family joined Southeast Nazarene Church under the leadership of Pastor Elvis Brown. Her love of God was further enhanced through the religious guidance of Elder Homer Burks and his family of Las Vegas, Nevada. Gussie believed in the will of God.

Prior to a catastrophic car accident in route to Troy in 200l, she served her fellowman while employed as a Licensed Nurse Assistant. She never forgot to treat others the way she wanted to be treated. Mrs. Smith injuries from the car accident destroyed her ability to walk, but did not steal her joy. She often cooked dinner for not only her own family, but also her church family.  Most holidays at Gussie’s house were filled with people from all walks of life who may or may not have local family.  Everyone would enjoy eating great southern foods, as well as proper southern hospitality. She was affectionately called Ms. Gussie by her friends and she touched many lives. Gussie was quite fashionable always looking lovely and thoroughly enjoyed shopping on QVC.  

Gussie was preceded in death by her parents, Mrs Julia Mae (Toosie) Johnson and Mr. Donald Frank King, and two siblings. 

Precious memories are cherished by a loving, devoted husband, Mr. James Smith of Escondido, California; three children, Mr. Alfred Augustus Smith of Columbus, Ohio, Ms. LaPezra Vonimetria Smith of Vista, California and Mr. Derek La’Mont Smith of Washington, D.C.; two grandchildren, Amaya Dayle’s Smith of Washington, DC and Tiatianna LaPezra Smith of New York, NY; her siblings, Mrs. Annie Bell Starks of Troy, Mrs. Mary Louise Gay of Panama City, Florida, Mrs. Essie Mae McGhee of Panama City, Florida, Mrs. Ann Massey of Bessemer, .Mrs. Pearlie Mae Thomas of Troy, Mrs. Casandra King Awkard of Troy ,and Ms. Dejerilyn King Henderson of Troy and Mr. Tommy Louis (Cathelene) King of Dothan.  She will be sorely missed by her special faithful caregiver of many years, Ms. Deidra Palomino, and her son, Henry, along with her devoted goddaughters, Belinda Myers of Ranch Cucamonga, California and Andrea McLean, her mother and her children of Sari Diego, California and Zion Johnson of Troy. Gussie was loved by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, community members, classmates and wonderful friends.