When mortal life has passed through all the phases and experiences allotted to it, and its responsibilities have been met and fulfilled, and though we are saddened by the close of this life, we must take comfort in reflecting on a well-spent life.
Transition from life to death is gentle for the man with a completed mission.
It was December 4, 1906, that DeShong Smith was born to the parentage of the late John D. and Maranda Porter Smith. Jubilance was heard throughout the Harrison community.
Reared in a Christian home, he was led to Christ and confessed a hope in Christ as a young child under the pastorage of Rev. J. W. Wilkerson. As a child he exemplified the qualities, fortitude and perseverance characteristic of a great leader.
His educational opportunities were in the public schools of Harrison community. He attended Paul Quinn College of Waco, Texas and Bethel College of McKenzie, Tennessee, to further his studies in theology. After his call into the ministry in 1936, he studied voice and music under Professor Goodman.
He was called to pastor the East Waco Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1945. Rev. DeShong Smith served the church 37 years and was Pastor Emeritus. Under his administration, the church was turned around and rebuilt in 1953. Many, many efforts became successful accomplishments under his leadership. He served as moderator of the Brazos River Presbytery until August of 1958. He served a second tenure as moderator of the Brazos River Presbytery from 1966-1990. In the capacity of leadership he served as the moderator of the Texas synod and moderator of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was financial secretary/treasurer of the National Sunday School Convention for more than twenty years. He served as treasurer of the Ministerial Alliance of Waco, Texas. He was a retired employee of the Katie Rail System of Waco, Texas.
His light, his poise, and zeal for living will outlive his passing.
Cherishing his memory always will be his loving and devoted wife, Cleopatra A. Smith; two sisters, Bennie Rutledge of San Antonio, Texas and Beatrice Smith Parker of Waco, Texas; nephews, Robert L. Rutledge of San Antonio, Texas, Lawrence Smith of Dallas, Texas and Ronald Smith of Fort Worth, Texas; nieces, Lola Buchanna of Los Angeles, California, Alma Myers of Waco, Texas, Mary F. White of San Antonio, Texas, Edna E. Long Harrison and Mary L. Alston of San Antonio, Texas, Flo Joyce Smith of Fort Worth, Texas and Jackie Smith of San Antonio, Texas; brothers-in-law, Vernie B. Evans and Acie Evans of Waco, Texas and Willie Evans of Los Angeles, California; sister-in-law, Anita Mulder of Oakland, California; a host of other relatives and loving friends.
[Source: "The Home Going Celebration of Reverend DeShong Smith"]
Cleopatra Adella Evans Smith was born to the parentage of Mr. Howard Evans and Mrs. Mary Courtney Evans on December 23, 1908 in the Riesel community. She was a lovely child and she grew up with much hope and many potentials.
Cleo attended elementary school at Spring Hill School in the Riesel community. A. J. Moore High School in Waco, Texas was the source of her secondary school training. Her advanced training was at Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas and Tillotson College in Austin, Texas.
Cleo was a public school teacher and shaped the lives of many pupils in Hill County and the Waco School District for many years.
Cleo was a devoted church member. She devoted much of her life as a missionary.
She was a member of the Rose of Sharon Court #7 of Heroines of Jericho. She was also a member of Alpha Rho Sigma of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and many other organizations.
Cleo was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Rev. DeShong Smith; her father, mother, and eight brothers.
Cherishing her memory will be a sister, Mrs. Anita Mulder of Waco, Texas; two brothers, Willie (Anne) Evans of Los Angeles, California, and Vernie B. (Rubye) Evans of Waco, Texas; two devoted nieces, Lola Bucchanna of Oakland, California and Edna Long of Waco, Texas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.