Loretta Smith

The Obituary for Loretta Norman Smith She was born on November 22, 1950 in Richmond VA, to the late John Norman and the late M. Louise Norman and she was one of seven siblings. She departed this life December 8, 2024. At a young age she met and married Otis Warren Smith Jr. They both dedicated their lives to the Lord. In 1974, they joined Redeemed Church of God in Christ where they were long time members and served faithfully. Loretta, a woman of strength and perseverance, was educated in Richmond Public schools. After completing her GED, She went on to obtain an Associates Degree in Early childhood Education and later opened, and successfully operated The New Beginnings Childcare and Early Learning Center. She cofounded the New Beginnings Outreach Ministries and The House of New Beginnings along with her husband Reverend Otis W. Smith Jr. Loretta dedicated over four decades to prison Ministry and various community partnerships, including, Prison Fellowship and Angel Tree, to provide resources to families of incarcerated individuals. She provided ministry counseling to many throughout the years. Her love and dedication to empowering women to overcome adversity was shown when she opened her home for women formerly incarcerated. Her natural inclination to speak her mind changed the lives of men and women that she mentored. She enjoyed international and local missions with her whole heart. Everyone who knows her is well aware of her love and passion for her family. She loved gardening, watching action and Christmas movies, as well as spending time with her family. Later, health challenges slowed her down a bit but her fortitude and faith in God was unwavering. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Louise Norman, as well as her grandson Warren C. Anthony. She left to cherish her memory: Her loving and devoted husband Pastor Otis Smith Jr., her children: Otis W. Smtih III (Kimberly), Shyrron S. Anthony, Marnae Smith. Grandchildren: M. Serenity Anthony, Kyler Smith, Sarrah Anthony, Caleb Smith, Scarlet Anthony, Precious Anthony Sister in Laws: Linda (Diane) Crews and Valera Battle and a host of other relatives. Devoted friends: The Cunnings, The Burgesses, The Pollards, The Randolphs, Gina Swinson, Sabrina Temple Loretta fought a good fight. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith...." II Timothy 4:7-8

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Loretta Smith

November 22, 1950 - December 8, 2024