Bishop Thomas Jesse Smith was the first born precious son to the late Otella Holmes and Major Smith on June 25, 1922 in Surry County. He went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, November 16, 2015. Preceding him in death are is brothers, Raymond and Clarence Smith and sister, Annie Bell Parham.

He bravely served in the United States Army from 1942-1947 and he served two overseas tours to Japan and Manila, Philippines. He proudly wore his WWII Veteran cap and he was always willing to share some stories about his experiences. He left the Army with an honorable discharge. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Award, Good Conduct Metal and the Asiatic Pacific Camp Metal.

For over 30 years, he was the Pastor at the New Hope Pentecostal Church in Queens, New York. He served as Overseer of seven churches (4 in New York and 3 in Barbados). The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him in 1988 from The James W. Teamer School of Religion for his creative ability and leadership as a Minister of the Gospel. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the lead guitar and he played with the Jamaican All-Stars and several other quartets.

Bishop was a hardworking man and believed in providing for his family. He worked in many capacities during his lifetime including Truck Driver, Heavy Equipment Operator, Police Officer and Supervisor at a Factory Company.

Bishop lived the life he taught and preached about and he was highly respected and loved by so many because of his kind and gentle spirit. He affectionately called his wife, "Baby" or "Honey" and he had a great sense of humor. He often encouraged others to live a Godly life and to obey God's Holy Word.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Mrs. Mildred Ann Smith; his seven daughters, Barbara Hardy (Floyd), Alisha Jones (Therman), Valerie Burke (Davie), Tonya Smith, Tausha Smith, Renita Lensey and Trekita White; adopted son, Mack Person; grandchildren, Desiree and Terrell (Erica) Smith, Xavier and Alexis Burke, Thomas "TJ" Nivens, Quennita, Qiana, Quentin and Alana Lensey; great-grandchildren, Xykia, Jordon, Rellon, Christian and Zion Smith; three brothers, Major, McKinley (Mary) and Dosson Smith; sister, Julia White; brother-in-law, Wallace Wiggins, and two sister-in-laws, Margaret Smith and Elaine Wiggins; spiritual son, Al Johnson (Daisy); spiritual daughters, Kathy and Karmille Ellis; a special family friend, Mother Bernice Holmes, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service for Bishop Smith will be Monday, November 23, 2015, 11:00am at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 6512 Carsley Road, Waverly, VA 23890, Rev. George Brown, Pastor, Rev. Audie Ellis, Eulogizing.