There are condolences waiting approval on REV. JEFFREY's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of REV. JEFFREY EDSEL SMITH
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
REV. JEFFREY.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for REV. JEFFREY EDSEL SMITH
Jeffrey Edsel Smith was the youngest of six born to Raymond Emerick and Mary Elizabeth Smith of Annapolis, Maryland. His parents each had a son before their union, Vernon Brooks (Mary Elizabeth) and Charles Smith (Raymond Smith). Jeffrey was raised in Edgewater, Maryland in a small community known as Millswamp. He was a product of Anne Arundel County Schools, where he attended Ralph Bunche Elementary, Southern Middle and graduated from Southern High. During his spare time he enjoyed reading books, playing baseball and drawing portraits. He participated in the "Pony and Babe Ruth' leagues for several years. He played every position with the exception of third baseman and catcher. Although he loved playing baseball, he maintained his grades. He never lost focus when it came to his academic career. As a matter of fact, his high school baseball coach planted a seed in Jeffrey: encouraging him to go to college. Jeffrey was thinking of attending art school instead of going to college. Nonetheless,"Smitty" listened to his coach. He took his advice and applied to University of Maryland and Howard University. He was accepted at University of Maryland College Park and began his journey in January 1975. During those years, he developed friendships with classmates on campus and grew in his faith. He was known as "Doc" around campus. In the fall of 1975, he committed his life to Christ under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Leon Kess. Jr. Jeffrey became a lay speaker at Chews United Methodist Church of Owensville, Maryland. Reverend Kess became Jeffrey's mentor and spiritual father, taught him how to pray, counsel and serve in the kingdom. While Jeffrey developed as a lay speaker, he was so determined to succeed at UMCP so much so that he would hitchhike to and from school. He knew his mother was unable to finish school, so he wanted to make her proud. It was there where he met the love of his life, Gloria D. Smith. They sang in the gospel choir led by Richard Smallwood. They also attended the Black Ministries Bible Study/Rap Session at the campus chapel. Their first date included going out for pizza. Shortly thereafter, the two became exclusive. Jeffrey proposed six months later. After completing his undergraduate studies in May 1980, Jeffrey applied to Howard University School of Divinity. Shortly after going to seminary, he received his first appointment: Mt. Hope United Methodist Church of Sunderland, Maryland. He began to serve there in July 1981. He and Gloria "Denise" Jones exchanged marital vows on December 19, 1981. He served at Mt. Hope until June 1984. The newlyweds welcomed their first child, Christina Marie Smith on November 9, 1983. Reverend Smith also served at Fowlers United Methodist Church in Annapolis Maryland from July 1984-January 31, 1991. Jeffrey and Denise welcomed another child, Lauren Nicole on April 20, 1985. On January 17, 1991, they added another addition to the family: Justin Louis. Rev. Smith later withdrew from the United Methodist Church and was ordained in June 1986 by the Baltimore Annual Conference. In February of 1991, he joined the Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland. He served as Assistant Pastor under the late Ricky Spain. He remained there until the first Sunday in April 1992. On Palm Sunday of 1992, Calvert Fellowship, Inc. was born. The glory of God filled the fellowship hall at Carroll Victoria Community Center in Huntington, Maryland. On April 12, 1992, at eleven o'clock hour, a group of approximately 52 believers came together to celebrate and to witness the birth of a new Christian church. Jeffrey continued to prepare himself for ministry and serve the community. Pastor and his wife attended the Minister’s Conference at Christian Faith Center in Creedmoor, NC under the leadership of the Bishop Mack (late) and Pastor Brenda Timberlake. On December 16, 1994, Pastor Smith and Board of Trustee Chairman, Wardell Gray, settled on property in Friendship, Maryland that will become the Greater Calvert Fellowship Church. God showed favor on his ministry and he continued to give God thanks and praise! In February 1996, Gloria was formally recognized for her role in the ministry and became Co-Pastor with her husband. In July 1996, they were both ordained under the auspices Christian Faith Minister s Fellowship at Christian Faith Center. Bishop Mack and Pastor Brenda became their apostolic covering. During his time as pastor, he also worked full-time for the State of Maryland as Agent Smith. He was a Parole and Probation Officer for 29 1/2 years. Jeff was close to his work family that he even traveled with them on their annual fall cruise. He retired from the State of Maryland in July 2014. After retirement, he became a substitute teacher for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. He wanted to give back to the communities that invested in him. He also worked for Parks & Recreation for the city of Annapolis during the summer months. He was a Camp Director at Parole Mills and love preparing posters and planning activities for the children. He was known as Mr. Jeffrey or Mr. Smith. Jeffrey was a man of many talents. He could sing, act, dance, dress, sew, paint, draw and cook. He even started his own art business, Smitty's Art & Inspiration, LLC. He participated in local vendor events and sold some of his original artwork and photography. He enjoyed eating, reading, traveling, swimming and creating, spending time with family and friends and watching his favorite T.V shows in his man cave. Reverend Jeffrey Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth and Raymond Smith, Sr. as well as well as his eldest brothers, Vernon Brooks and Charles Smith. He leaves behind his wife, Denise, three children: Christina, Justin and Lauren, one grandchild: Liam, four siblings: Carol (Burnett) Smith, Hilda Smith, Marilyn Pollard and Morgan (Theresa) Smith and sister in law Kathy (Vernon) Brooks. He also leaves one great aunt Malinda (late Johnny) Hopkins, two aunts: Ellen Jane (Wesley) Watkins and Hilda Diggs and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and church families.
