Pearl Renee (Stephens) Smith passed from this earthly realm into the loving arms of her savior Jesus Christ on January 11, 2023. She was born in Palestine, TX on March 18, 1933 , the daughter of Felix and Mary Elizabeth. On May 24th, 1953, she was united in marriage to Joel D. Smith until his passing on December 21st, 1984. Pearl was affectionately called “Miss P” by friends and family. Pearl and Joel ultimately settled their family in Rome, New York. Pearl worked many years at DFAS on Griffiss Air Force Base in the Accounting Department.

Pearl was one of the founding members of Payne’s Temple Church of God in Christ. A stalwart woman of strong faith, Pearl embodied the Christian walk in everything she did, always serving in kindness and love to all those whom she knew. Perhaps Pearl’s greatest legacy of love is the affection and support she showed to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pearl encouraged, doted over, and treasured her “pookies” unceasingly and remained the best of example of strength, courage, and love all the way through her last earthly breath.

She was predeceased by her daughter Sandra C. Ajegba in 2011. Pearl is survived by her son, Joel D. Smith Jr. and his significant other Starr Mosley, her daughter Linda C. (Pastor Kim) Williams, and her son in law Daniel O. Ajegba. Also grieving her loss are Darnell and Tanya( Kenneth and Manuel), Rondell and Amber(Ke’Andre, Laasya, Cordell), Danita and Justin (Naaman, Noah) , Michael and Cheyenne (Nevaeh, Trace, Jaxson) ,Marcus and Aaron , and Tevyur .

Although Pearl’s family will miss her deeply, they are rejoicing in her freedom of pain and suffering.

“…Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. “ – Matthew 25:23