Catherine Selene Smith

CATHERINE SELENA SMITH, the beloved daughter of the late Frank Barkman and Annie Gray was born on February 17, 1916 in Baltimore, Maryland. She went home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2005 after a long illness. She received her education from the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High School in 1935. Catherine or "Kitty" as she was affectionately known was well liked by her classmates and friends. Catherine met and married her long time childhood sweetheart Walter Smith. This happy union lasted for almost fifty years until the Lord called her beloved Walter home to be with Him in 1986. To this union was born two children, Barry Walter Smith and the late Robin Anne Smith. Catherine was always a conscientious and diligent worker. She was employed by Lutheran Hospital as an admitting clerk for a number of years. She later worked for Hochchild Kohn Department Store as a receptionist until her retirement in 1979. After her retirement Catherine enjoyed spending time with family. She loved to entertain and fellowship, as shown by the countless gatherings she sponsored for her family and friends. She always had a hot meal and a kind word... or two... or three, for anyone who needed it. Catherine was reared in a Christian home and was a member of the Emmanuel Christian Community Church, where the late Rev. Sydney Daniels was the pastor. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many of the church's organizations. She also served as the president of the "Modernistic Buddies Social Club." Feeling the need for an even closer walk with the Lord and a desire to be with her beloved and newly ordained husband, Catherine became a member of the First Apostolic Faith Church in 1978 under the leadership of the late Bishop Winfield A. Showell. She was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost and worked diligently within the church, serving in a host of different capacities. She was a member of the Matrons Club and the Elders, Minsters and Deacons Wives. She also served as President of both the New Members Fellowship Committee and the Pulpit and Floral Committee. Catherine was appointed to the Senior Mothers Board by Bishop Franklin Cornelius Showell in 1985 because of her outstanding qualities as a Godly woman who was full of love, compassion and concern for the saved and unsaved alike. She and Elder Smith were faithful in ministry to the saints especially while visiting the sick and shut in. Mother Smith had a wealth of knowledge and was very opinionated to say the least. She shared this knowledge with her grandchildren while demonstrating her commitment to them through monetary advances for their education. Mother Catherine lived a long life with much joy and contentment. She will be greatly missed by those who live on to embrace and cherish her memory. She is survived by her loving son, Barry Walter Smith; one daughter-in-law, Mary Ellen Smith; two grandchildren, Tramaine Catherine Smith and Kevin Thomas Smith; one great-grandson, Darren Xavier Smith; and one sister-in-law, Florence Alexander; not to mention a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and saints.

Tributes

Catherine Selene Smith

February 16, 1917 - September 11, 2005