Maggie Smith (Lansing)

Mrs. Maggie Smith passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at McLaren Greater Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. Age 93 years. She was born May 29, 1927, in Charleston, Mississippi, to Jack and Mariah Glover, second of nine children. Maggie was very mature for her age, and was called “an old soul,” as she loved to be around the older and wiser mothers. With her mother’s passing, Maggie assumed her matriarchal role at the very young age of 16. At 19, Maggie married Mr. Edgar Cox, and to that union was born one daughter, Annie Rene Cox. When their marriage dissolved, Maggie married Robert Smith in 1952 and migrated from Mississippi to Lansing, Michigan, where later were born four children: Lucretia Ann, Barbara Jean, Val Eileen, and John Shawn Smith. Establishing themselves in Lansing around 1959, Maggie found herself active in her community by partnering with several prayer groups around Lansing and later found a church home with the Pentecostal Church of God In Christ, Pastored by Elder Dexter DeMyers and his wife, Wilma. Maggie was a proud member of the PTA, where she expressed her interest in her children's schooling. Maggie worked as a Home Care Provider for several families and a cook at Michigan State University.

Maggie's number #1 quote was "God #1, Family #2, and Church #3" Maggie served faithfully under the leadership of four different Pastors, Elder Dexter DeMyers, Elder Larry M. Trice Sr, Pastor Angeline Trice, and lastly, Pastor Larry M. Trice, Jr.

Maggie instilled her value system into her children by serving various roles within the church, key holder (opening and closing the church), prayer, and bible band president 20+ years. She always found opportunities to fellowship with other churches when they had prayer and revivals. Whatever she could find her hands to do, she did it without one complaint and always with Joy in her heart. While doing all of these things, her family's needs never went unmet. As diligently as she worked for the cause of the Lord, she was equally driven to provide for and support every need her family had.

Maggie became known as "Mother Maggie Smith" even before being given the official title.

Maggie and Robert were crucial facilitators for family members transitioning from Mississippi "Down south" to Michigan with the opening of their home and hearts. Mother Maggie remained faithful to her family, church, and community even after her husband Robert Smith's passing in 1989. Mother Maggie was a pillar in her local community, where she was known to stop and pray for anyone at the drop of a hat just so she could tell them about the goodness of the Lord. She had many titles, "Mother Smith," "momma," "Aunt Magg," and she would tell anyone to call her "Mother Smith!" Maggie was a woman of great strength and resilience; whose faith was her rock and foundation. She embodied the qualities of a Proverbs 31 Woman, and if anyone was ever "Saved, Sanctified, and Filled with the Holy ghost with a burning fire," it was her. She would tell anyone to call her Mother Smith! At any point in service, she would break out with a "Hallelujah! My soul magnifies your name!" She loved the Lord and loved her family and was committed to the church. It didn't matter what the circumstances she would tell you that God will bring you through. A woman of style and substance from her hats to her rings and other jewelry, she always came to church even as her health declined, dressed for Jesus! We will never, ever forget Mother Maggie Smith and will cherish every single memory God has allowed us to share with her. We know God sent an Angel when he blessed us with Mother Maggie Smith; she will be celebrated and missed!

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Annie Rene Cox, Lucretia Ann Malone-El, Val (Frank) Eileen Hannah, and John (Tricia) Shawn Smith; 28 grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Robert L. Glover, Luke Glover, Rosa Mae Riley, and Mack (Emma) Glover; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Robert Smith; parents, Jack and Mariah Glover; brothers, Henry Glover, Richard Glover, Jack Glover; sister, Addie Mae Nash; daughter, Barbara J. Smith; grandchildren, Tarrence L. Whitley & Karen Whitley.