James A. Smith

Home going services for James A. Smith will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Curt Pace and Bro. Eric Sharp officiating. Burial will follow in New Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Smith, 96, of Philadelphia, died Monday, November 14, 2022. James lived and worked in Royal Oak, MI for 37 years and returned to the Hope Community in 1987 to retire. Mr. Smith was an active member of New Bethel Baptist Church. Survivors include his sons, James Rob Smith (Phyllis) of Berkley, MI and Alan Ray Smith (Cathy) of Groton, MA; daughters, Donna Jean Benkovsky (Steve) of Eaton Rapids, MI and Linda S. Pendergrass of Philadelphia, MS; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brother, Stanley Smith of Jackson, MS. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Janell Smith. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse or Quality Hospice Volunteer Fund.