Johnnie Katherine Early-Smith

Johnnie Katherine Early-Smith was the ninth child born to the late Robert Saunders and Mallie Dorrah Early on February 21, 1926, in Huntington, West Virginia. Eight siblings preceded her in death. Johnnie attended Barnett Elementary School and graduated Douglass High School in Huntington. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Education and Social Studies from Bluefield State college, graduating Cum Laude honor. Before migrating to St. Louis, MO, in 1948, Johnnie accepted the position of Secretary to the Registrar at Florida A&M College (University). Later, she was recruited by Mrs. Blanche Tucker for a teaching position at Tucker Business College, where she taught until she left for to work for the U.S. Government. She retired from the U.S. Army Aviation Systems Command in December 1986, having served her country for 38 years. Johnnie united in Holy Matrimony to William Odell Paden from which one son, William O. Jr., was born. She later married the late Andrew Smith Jr., in St. Peter AME church in 1962. Johnnie, a born again Christian, was a faithfully, lifelong member of St. Peter AME Church since 1954. She served in many positions including a Steward (Treasurer) and Sunday School teacher. She was a member of the Altar Guild and Women's Missionary Society. Johnnie served on the local area conference and district levels of the WMS in several official positions She was elected and served as the first Electoral College delegate from St. Peter to the 38 Session of the AME Church General Conference in Philadelphia, PA, in 1968. She was elected an Alternate Delegate in 1956 in Miami, FL. Johnnie's involvement in the community varied. She served on the Board of Directors of the St. Elizabeth Adult Day Center and volunteered in Probation and Parole. She was sworn in at 22 Judicial Circuit of Missouri as a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem to represent abused and neglected children in family court. A longtime volunteer of the Salvation Army, she worked in all phases of their Christmas projects and programs. She was an investor and charter member of Confluence St. Louis (Focus St. Louis), working on several task forces. Johnnie was a longtime member of Church Women United, having served as First Vice President of Metropolitan St. Louis. She continued to work with Unit 3, serving in several positions. She worked with the World Federation of Methodist Women, Women's Interfaith Conference and served as a facilitator, chairman, hostess, and sponsor of forums. She also served as a member of the Committee on Administration of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA and the Historical Society of University City, MO. Johnnie was a lover of books and traveled extensively throughout the U.S., nine foreign countries and many Caribbean Islands. She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, National Council of Negro Women, and Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a Life Member of Connectional Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church. Johnnie departed this life on Saturday, December 27, 2014. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, William; her daughter-in-law, Laura; her two grandsons, Ahmad and Khalil; many nephews, nieces, grand and great-grand nephews and nieces; her sister-in-law, Rubena Early; first cousins, Dr. Betty Cleckley and Dr. Franklin Cleckley, Esq., and a host of relatives and friends. Graveside services will be Noon Thursday, January 8, 2015. at Spring Hill Cemetery.The family will gather at the funeral home at 11:30 AM and the processions will leave the funeral home at 11:45 AM. 15-004

Johnnie Katherine Early-Smith

February 21, 1926 - December 27, 2014