William H. Stith

WILLIAM HENRY STITH, son of the late James Archer and Martha A. Stith, was born on December 11, 1916. He departed this life on January 18, 2013 after a short period of hospice services and care in the home of his son, Archer in Baltimore, Maryland. He was married to Ernestine (Bridgeforth) Stith for sixty-four years. Their union produced four children: Archer Leon, Marie Antoinette, Carolyn and Clarice Deborah. He was preceded in death by Ernestine in June of 2005 and by Carolyn in March of 1981. He received his formal public education in Brunswick County, Virginia Public School System for Colored Children during the 1920’s. Much of his education was the result of “listening more than talking” and “let it be.” Moreover, William was observant, Astute, sharp and pleasant willed, reinforced with a peaceful discerning spirit, as well as, a well developed memory for people, events and details. William came to Baltimore, Maryland in the 1940’s, in his pursuit of Ernestine, to marry her and start a family. When his attempt to volunteer for army services during WW II was rejected, he gained employment as a laborer within the defense industry with the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Sparrows Point, Maryland. He retired in Bethlehem Steel in the 1970’s after more than thirty years. William received his religious training at Taylor’s Chapel AME Zion in Lunenburg County, Virginia and at Zion Baptist Church, RUZA Brunswick County, Virginia. In his adult years, he attended Pennsylvania Avenue AME Zion and Ebenezer Baptist Church. In his later years, he attended services in the denomination of family members and friends, and especially the services and occasions of the churches of his youth in Virginia. William was a unique and spiritually gifted man. He lived the Biblical principles and instructions of Matthew 22:37; 25:40. He modeled for his children the Biblical tenets of Psalm 1:1-6; Galatians 5:22-24; I Corinthians 13:1-2. He was a friend both in times of plenty and need. He was a quiet, unassuming, meek person, ever ready to help, to give, to forgive, to restrain from criticizing and judging others unjustly. He was a kind, sincere, devoted man whose wit, understanding and sharing of his love and resources brought joy to all whose lives he touched. (Psalm 15) He leaves to celebrate his life and the glory of God that was manifested : one son, Archer Leon; two daughters, Marie and Clarice; two daughters-in-law, Augustine (current) and Helen Stith-Smith (Former); one brother, Clarence (Jeanette); one sister, Alice Hendricks (Andrew); two sisters-in-law, Ola Grade and Joyce Bridgeforth; five grandchildren, Yvette Williams, Tselane Gardner, Charlie Thomas, Salvador Langford and Paula Langford; two great-grandchildren, Brandon Williams-Love and Peyton Gardner; nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives, spiritual children and The PAMS.

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William H. Stith

December 11, 1916 - January 18, 2013