On Wednesday, July 24, God called our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend home.
Rev. Shelton H. Smith, Jr. was the son of the late Rev. Shelton H. Smith, Sr. and Thelma Upton Smith. A native of Norfolk, VA, he graduated from Lake Taylor High School and attended Norfolk State University.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Marie; their two children, Ashley (Robert) and Shelton III (Arvetta); and six cherished grandchildren, Savannah, Robert Jr., Aria, Kameron, Keliyah, and Kavari; his brother Clarence (Jean); three best friends, Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Huggins, Andre Carpenter, and Rev. Charles Leavell; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Rev. Smith was the pastor of Mount Moriah United Church of Christ in Waverly, VA. He dedicated 23 years of his life to leading the church, where he and his wife continued several impactful ministries, including a prison ministry, nursing home ministry, and marriage seminar. His realistic approach to God’s message touched countless lives and guided many to Christ.
Rev. Smith was a retired employee of the United States Post Office, where he was a member of the We Deliver Mass Choir.
He also served his country as a sergeant and a reservist in the United States Marine Corps.
Rev. Smith was the author of “Journeys to a Higher Destination: Stories of People Finding Their True Purpose” The book is a collection of stories about individuals overcoming life’s trials and discovering their true purpose.
Rev. Smith’s legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Condolences(14)-
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Alphonso Felton says
July 28, 2024 at 12:29 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with the entire Smith family during their time of mourning. May the Lord continue to comfort and bless the family at this time. We will miss our dear friend deeply and pray that the Lord will continue to comfort the family.
Angela Pope (Franklin VA.) says
July 28, 2024 at 7:02 pmSending heartfelt condolences and prayers to Ashley and the Smith family. May God continue to give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Continue to hold on to those precious memories and lean on them to help you get you through the days ahead. 🙏🙏
Charles D Leavell says
July 29, 2024 at 10:34 amTo Rev. Dr. Marie Smith, Ashley and Shelton Jr. my sincerest condolences unto you all. Our family connections extend to my days with Shelton as a coworker in the Post Office as well as colleagues in ministry. My wife Caroleda and myself never had a dull moment working with Shelton as he was such a joyful man. I have a concert in Kentucky but will seek to watch online. We love you and will be reaching out to you when we return. May God bless and strengthen you all 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Rev.Charles and Caroleda Leavell and the Open Hands Christian Fellowship Church Family
Ernest Perry says
July 29, 2024 at 10:09 pmWe extend our heartfelt condolences to the Smith family. On behalf of Pastor E. B. Perry, Lady Karen Perry and the Triumph In Victory Christian Church family of Wakefield, VA know that our friendship shared and fellowship in worship will be remembered, it will be cherished. God comfort you all now and in the days ahead. We are here for you.
-Pastor Perry ✝️
Pastor E. Brion Perry says
July 29, 2024 at 10:11 pmWe extend our heartfelt condolences to the Smith family. On behalf of Pastor E. B. Perry, Lady Karen Perry and the Triumph In Victory Christian Church family of Wakefield, VA know that our friendship shared and fellowship in worship will be remembered, it will be cherished. God comfort you all now and in the days ahead. We are here for you.
-Pastor Perry ✝️
Ronald Williams Sr. says
July 30, 2024 at 2:30 pmRest Easy my classmate/friend Lake Taylor.Class of 78”
UCBI "ALUMNI" Felllowship & Friendship Association says
July 31, 2024 at 8:16 amUnion Christian Bible Institute ALUMNI Association
To: Our Dearest Alumni Classmate & Friend
Rev. Dr. Marie Smith & ALL Family of Pastor Rev. Shelton H. Smith Jr., With Deep Sympathy our thoughts and prayers, that God will keep you always in his care in the passing of your husband whom has gone on to Glory.
The Bible PROMISES us that someday we will go to be with GOD in Heaven FOREVER because of what JESUS CHRIST has done for us.
Praying God’s rich comfort will be yours.
Dr. Marie Smith we LOVE YOU and if there’s ANY thing we can do don’t Hesitate in asking. We are HERE for YOU and FAMILY.
“Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me” (John 14:1)
Administrator/Coordinator
Elder Dr. Debbie Carrington
UCBI "ALUMNI" Felllowship & Friendship Association says
July 31, 2024 at 8:17 amUnion Christian Bible Institute ALUMNI Association
To: Our Dearest Alumni Classmate & Friend
Rev. Dr. Marie Smith & ALL Family of Pastor Rev. Shelton H. Smith Jr., With Deep Sympathy our thoughts and prayers, that God will keep you always in his care in the passing of your husband whom has gone on to Glory.
The Bible PROMISES us that someday we will go to be with GOD in Heaven FOREVER because of what JESUS CHRIST has done for us.
Praying God’s rich comfort will be yours.
Dr. Marie Smith we LOVE YOU and if there’s ANY thing we can do don’t Hesitate in asking. We are HERE for YOU and FAMILY.
“Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me” (John 14:1)
Administrator/Coordinator
Elder Dr. Debbie Carrington
Dr. Debbie Carrington says
July 31, 2024 at 8:18 amUnion Christian Bible Institute ALUMNI Association
To: Our Dearest Alumni Classmate & Friend
Rev. Dr. Marie Smith & ALL Family of Pastor Rev. Shelton H. Smith Jr., With Deep Sympathy our thoughts and prayers, that God will keep you always in his care in the passing of your husband whom has gone on to Glory.
The Bible PROMISES us that someday we will go to be with GOD in Heaven FOREVER because of what JESUS CHRIST has done for us.
Praying God’s rich comfort will be yours.
Dr. Marie Smith we LOVE YOU and if there’s ANY thing we can do don’t Hesitate in asking. We are HERE for YOU and FAMILY.
“Let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me” (John 14:1)
Administrator/Coordinator
Elder Dr. Debbie Carrington
Jennifer Davis says
August 1, 2024 at 7:57 pmMy sincerest condolences to Mrs Smith and family. I was just informed of his transition. I am so sorry to hear this. I worked with Shelton at the Post Office when he was at the Little Creek Branch. He always had a smile on his face and was always very kind. If I had of know, I would have been there. I remember meeting you Marie. I lost my husband 6 six years ago who also worked at the Post Office. I pray for comfort and peace for you and your family.
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Cynthia Felton Pierce says
August 2, 2024 at 7:04 amTo the family of Rev. Shelton H. Smith, Jr,,
I send my heartfelt condolences.
Rev. Shelton Smith, affectionately known as “Spunky “, was a dear childhood friend and a member of the choir I led, the Supreme Voices of Tidewater. He was always jovial and full of fun, wisdom and laughter. I have fond memories of youth programs at New Hope UCC, choir unions with Dawn, Millie, Melanie, Wanda and Rea and all the other members of this talented family. Also, I remember wonderful visits at Shelton’s mom and aunt’s home where they would have their bibles opened ready to share the Word of God. What a tremendous legacy as we know that our dear brother is with our Lord and Savior rejoicing in Heaven!
His loss was truly a surprise and he will be sorely missed.
We will continually pray for his lovely wife, daughter, son, grandchildren and extended family.
Thanks be to God for gracing us with a precious gift in Rev. Shelton H. “Spunky” Smith, Jr. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Cynthia Felton Pierce and Family
Linwood Turner says
August 2, 2024 at 9:52 amCousin Marie, Ashley and Shelton, Jr., Vanessa and I were so sad to hear of the passing of Shelton. We ask God to continue to bless and comfort you all.
Blessings and love,
Linwood and Vanessa Turner
Larry & Wanda Ferguson says
August 2, 2024 at 7:50 pmSending our sincere condolences to the family. Praying that God will take care of you. 🙏🙏🙏
Jeff Watson says
August 23, 2024 at 10:09 amI am just finding out of the passing of Sheldon. He was a colleague at the Post Office and a dear friend during our time together there. Although our paths led in different directions, I recall fondly his words of encouragement and joyful nature that demonstrated his commitment to Christ. Along with Dr. Phillip Lucas, he and I were instrumental in started a Bible Study among Post Office workers that resulted in aiding many in their spiritual life. I am saddened he is not still on earth with his family and friends but rejoice he is celebrating his eternal life in Glory. I extend heartfelt condolences.
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