Mrs. Flora Cl audette Lawrence Smith, 87, of Gulfport, Mississippi, departed this life, Wednesday, August 28, 2019. Mrs. Smith was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was as a devoted and faithful member of First Missionary Baptis t Church, Handsboro . Mrs. Smith graduated from Tougaloo College where she earned her undergraduate degree in education. She also received her master's degree from William Carey College. Mrs. Smith retired from the Biloxi School District after teaching in several school districts for over 40 years.

Mrs. Smith lived a life dedicated to the edification of the body of Christ. From a young age, Mrs. Smith was reared and taught the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ, and she insured that he r family knew and did the same. Mrs. Smith was active in several ministries within the church. She served as the church's secretary; she was active with the Mission, the Everready Club; and co-founded of the Seasoned Sunshines —as wel l as serving many other auxiliaries throughout her life. The life of faith, love, and wisdom lived by Smith, remains one that we can all aspire to pursue. Her family finds solace in understanding that the life she lived served as a testament of her faith, and they celebrate with the knowledge that she carried out the sentiments of the Apostle Paul, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Percy and Zella Barnes Lawrence; her husband, Levi Smith; four brothers, Percy Lawrence, Jr., Charles Lawrence, J.P. Lawrence, Sr., T. Ray Lawrence; two sisters, Mary Lawrence and Vera Broderick.

She leaves cheris hing and loving memories of her two sons, Kythe (Bridget) Smith—Las Cruces, New Mexico, Klyne (Raquel) Smith—McKinney, Texas; five grandchildren, Kythe, Jr., Bridgen, Kennedy, Haven, Quinn; one great-granddaughter, Karter Rose, many nieces, nephews, cousin s, and dear friends.