Janell Smith

A family memorial service for Janell Smith will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2020, at New Bethel Baptist Church with graveside service to follow in the church cemetery. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Janell was surrounded by her family as she peacefully journeyed to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 23, 2020. Born in the Zephyr Hill Community, she was married to the love of her life for 74 years. They lived in Royal Oak, MI, for 37 years and retired to the Hope Community. Janell was an active member of New Bethel Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, James A. Smith; children, James Rob (Phyllis) Smith of Berkley, MI, Alan Ray (Cathy) Smith of Groton, MA, Donna J. (Steve) Benkovsky of Eaton Rapids, MI, Linda S. Pendergrass of Philadelphia, MS; 14 grandchildren; 25-great-grandchildren; sisters, Isalene Grant of Wixom, MI, Arnita Logan of Philadelphia, MS, Dorothy Phillips of Kosciusko, MS; and brothers, Frank Phillips, Thomas Phillips, and Jerry Wade Phillips, all of Philadelphia, MS. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Kate Phillips; brothers, J. A. Phillips, Jr., Charlie Phillips, and Smokey Phillips. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Quality Hospice Volunteer Fund or New Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund.