James Henry Sorrell Smith, affectionately called ''Smitty,'' was born on June 2, 1928 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Pearl L. and william Smith. He departed this life peacefully on March 21, 2008, after a brief illness. Smitty grew up in Baltimore and received his formal education in the baltimore City Public Schools. He was a graduate of Frederick Douglass High School in the class of June 1946. Smitty joined the United States Army were he served for 26 years and received the following awards; Army Commendation Medal; Vietnam Bronze Star Medal and good Conduct Metal. After serving in the military he became an active member of the The Retired Enlisted Association Chapter 9. Smitty gave his life to the Lord at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in June 1943 under the pastorship of the late Rev. W.F. Foster. After retiring he active church member and devote to his many role as; Presdent of the Lay Organization, Member of the Sunday School, Males Chorus, Senior Missionary Society, Precious Gems, Trustee Board Trustee Emeritus. His participation also included the Bereavement Repast Ministry, Flower Circle, and the Men's Ministry. In his own way he was a ''Class Leader,'' because of his Christian involvement with the members. He would take the time to visit members, take them to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping and assist them with whatever needs they may have had. [email protected] - we believe this email ministry was his joy. Smitty's emails were always inspirational and informative for readers. They could include the weekly Sunday School Lesson, health issues, or God's Word for the Day and Daily encounters. Smitty also initiated and coordinationed the Video Audio Ministry. He would tape the serves, make copies and then visit with the sick and shut-in church members every week with a copy of the most recent service. this was done not only for Ebenezer members but anyone he felt would be encouraged by seeing the service and hearing the Word. There's so much that we could say about Smitty, Brother Smith, Dad, Graddaddy, Uncle Brother, Uncle Smitty but a dear friend said like this....''Whenever there was a question as to the most feasible way of getting something done for or within the church, the response was usally,''''Ask Smitty.'' His lifetime membership at Ebenezer and the love that he had for his church, permitted him to vocally expound on any church issue with certainty. Greater than the love for his church was his love for God. In retiring from the military, Smitty made returning to God's service his first priority. He returned to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church and again became active in that surrounding where his roots and his grandmother were. Smitty permitted God to use him and had reverenly and actively served on the Trustee Board for 15 years, Senior Chior 27 years, Video Ministry Coordinator. A supporter to the Missionary Society, Preisent of the Lay Organization, as well as workingn on the Lay Conference Branch Levels. He was instrumental in Ebenezer's induction into the Historial Society of Maryland Always in his corner was his loving wife, Geraldine ''Gerry'' who shared him with others through his involvement. Those visiting Ebenezer may best remember him as the man with the melodious bass voice. Smitty used this gift to the honor and glory of God as often as he could. Of the numerous soul-stirring renditions this soloist did, he is dmost noted for the one which permitted him to give the most praise to the Master, ''Great is Thy Faithfuliness.'' No greater praise can come from any person than it did from Smitty when he sang to God. Smitty married ''Gerry,'' the former Geraldine Kinkead, in October 1969. Smitty and Gerry shared many good times togather and just enjoyed their life togather. He was a faithful, loving and dedicated husband. In the past few weeks, Gerry tirelessly and lovingly cared for Smitty during his illness. Smitty was a father who was a true patriarch, a granddad that showed a quite but loving demeanor; and he treated his nieces, nephews and godchildren as if they were his own children, always giving out ''logical advice,'' even when they didn't want it! He leaves to cherish his memory; his devoted wife, Geraldine; three sons, Larry, Broderic and Keven; two daughters-in-law, Jennetta and Karen; grandchildren, Sureeta, Deloris, April, Shaun and Nicolas; greatgodchildren, Myranda, Niyera, Zhane; and a host of nieces nephews and godchildren. He was preceded in death by daugther Karen.