Celebrating Hazel Toreda Smith: A Homegoing Celebration.
As it reads in Proverbs 31, the worth of a virtuous woman is far above rubies. Strength and honor are her clothing. Her children rise and call her blessed. Hazel Smith personified what the Bible defines as a virtuous woman.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, she answered the Lord’s call to travel to her resting place.
As a Mother, she always found the energy to do all the things that she needed to do. She was our teacher, nurse, counselor, cook, and friend. It was love that made her come whenever we called your inexhaustible love.
Hazel Toredo Smith was born January 17, 1929, to the late John & Dovie Bellie Williams in St. Louis, MO. She was the youngest of 3 siblings and graduated from Douglas High School in Chicago, IL
At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior under the leadership of Pastor Ollie James at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. In 1946, she moved to Mt. Pleasant, TN where she met her dear husband, James L. Smith and joined Mt. Nebo MBC under the leadership of Pastor Percy Clark.
Preceding her in death are her parents – John & Dovie Bell Williams, her husband – James L. Smith, daughters – Veronica Russell, Jacquelyne Ward, Lena M. Frye, sons – Michael Smith & Robert Smith, sisters – Minnette Bellaphant & Maxine Richards, grandchild – Tyce Smith.
She leaves to cherish her memory: three sons and four daughters; James L. Smith (Kathy) of Denver, CO, Dwight Smith (Shelly) of Shoreview, MN, Dennis Smith of Murfreesboro, TN, Kathryn Martin, Brennice Warfield of Old Hickory, TN, Dottie Porter (Reginald) of Madison, TN, Virgil Smith of Mt. Pleasant, TN, Cheryl Smith of Old Hickory, TN, Terrence Russell (Taiesha), of LaVergne, TN, William L. Russell of Mt. Pleasant, TN and 39 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.
Acknowledgements
The family of Hazel T. Smith would like express our sincerest gratitude for the part you played in helping us get through this difficult time. We especially appreciate Pastor Secrest and the Mt. Nebo M.B. C. church family for their support. Thanks to her caregivers; Lynn Kirk, Caris Healthcare and the NHC staff. Special thanks to Ann Gaines and Herbert Gordon.
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