Florean

Townsend-Smith

Mother Florean Townsend-Smith, 92, of Toledo, Ohio was born on November 7, 1933 in Hulka, Mississippi. She went from earth to glory on October 16, 2026 at 6:35 am.

Mother Smith accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the early age of 16, while attending Manhattan Temple COGIC, under the leadership of Elder Willliam Morgan James.

Elder James was appointed Pastor of the small congregation of 6 women and later moved the church to 801 Vance Street and re-named the church St. James COGIC. She became the 1st member to join St. James COGIC under the leadership of Pastor William Morgan James.

Mother Smith exemplified grace and humility serving faithfully for over fifty years, under the leadership of Bishop William Morgan James. She served as a Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, and Intercessory Prayer Warrior. She held an annual prayer breakfast to help facilitate food baskets every holiday season to benefit those in the underserved community.

Mother Smith attended Chase Elementary School and then was promoted to Woodward High School where she received her High School Diploma. She furthered her education by attending Wayne State Community College in Detroit Michigan in which she received a Phlebotomy Certificate.

She was married to Deacon Willie Smith, for 60 years, marrying the love of her life on April 25, 1959. Four boys Eric, Phillip, Zachary, Jeremy were born to this union.

Mother Smith was employed at Willie C. Smith Insurance Agency, Maumee Valley Hospital, and Head Start as a Bus Aide.

Mother Smith was under watch care at New Life Church COGIC, under the leadership of Bishop Edward T. Cook. She later joined her husband and served at Abundant Life Ministries until its closure.

Mother Smith became a member of Perfecting Church Toledo, under the leadership of Bishop-Elect Marvin L. Winans. Mother Smith served on the Mother's Board and was always lending a loving and counseling ear.

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Mother Smith, we all know her to be a Tongue Talking Prayer Warrior and Intercessor, with a strong belief and faith in God. She believed and loved feeding the masses. No one went hungry around Mother Smith.

Mother Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Townsend. Her husband Willie C. Smith and sister Bernice Brown.

Mother Smith leaves to cherish her memory, children, Eric Smith, Phillip (Gina) Smith, Zachary (LaShana) Smith, and Jeremy Smith; grandchildren, Ryan Smith, Gabrielle Smith, Ariel Smith, Jada Smith, I'yonna Smith, Ethan Smith, and Stephanie Hall; great grandchildren, Kyndall Harris, Komorii Harris, and Karyson Harris; sister, Maggie Grace; sister-in-law Ann Smith.

Special friends, Mary Jane Smith, Hattie Quick, Mack Collins, Coretta Collins, Donald & Mary Duncan, Beverly Tucker, Teresa Quinn. Son of the heart, Orlando Walton. Special son, Dwight Steele. Special daughters Denise Carr, Stephanie Hall, and Danielle Bates. A host of nieces, nephews, spiritual sons and daughters.