Lelia Smith

Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith was born on December 3, 1926, in Florence, South Carolina to the late Granison “Nick” Cooper and Mother Ida Gibson Cooper. She departed this earthly life on Tuesday, August 3, 2021.

She attended the Public Schools of Florence County.

Mother Lelia was married to the late Deacon Frank Smith, Jr. and to this union there were twelve children.

She was employed with Florence District One Public Schools for several years, until her retirement.

At an early age, she joined Mount Zion United Methodist Church, then later joined Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus, where she was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, under the leadership of the late Pastor Earline Howard and Pastor Mary Helen Cooks. At the time of her demise, she was under the leadership of Pastor Dolores M. Smith, her daughter-in-law.

As a faithful member of Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus, Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith served in several capacities, such as: Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Senior Choir, a member of the cooking Culinary Committee, an avid Church Attendant, a Firm believer in God, a number one Bible Scholar with finding scriptures “without” using Google.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Granison “Nick” Cooper and Mother Ida Gibson Cooper; her husband, Deacon Frank Smith, Jr.; nine siblings, Willie Cooper, Neverson Cooper, Granison Cooper, Jr., Otis Cooper, David Cooper, Edward Cooper, Annie Mae Scott, Thelma Scott, and Louise Peoples; three daughters, Helen Cooper, Mary F. Smith, and Marilyn Moses; one granddaughter, Tanesha Cusaac; two grandsons, Stedman L. Smith and Colin Smith; and one son-in-law, Garry M. Cusaac, Sr.

Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith leaves to cherish her loving memories: two daughters, Marie Taylor of Florence, South Carolina and Anna S. Cusaac of Effingham, South Carolina; seven sons, Deacon King (Pastor Dolores) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Bishop Frank (Deaconess Margaret) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Woodrow Smith of Jacksonville, North Carolina, James A. (Rosa) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Deacon Clifton (Janice) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, Deacon Allen (Iris) Smith of Florence, South Carolina, and Gregory Smith of Florence, South Carolina; fourteen grandchildren, to include one granddaughter, Valarie Taylor, that was reared in the home; eighteen great grandchildren; two first cousins, Odell Williams of Atlanta, Georgia and Henry Cooper of Florence, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Mother Lelia M. Cooper Smith, a true servant of God will always be remembered as a wonderful Mother who was loving, humble, faithful, dedicated, courageous, thoughtful, peaceful and an obedient peacemaker that was encouraging and strong.

Arrangements will be announced by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Lelia M. Cooper Smith in your thoughts and prayers.