Cebelle Smith

The legacy of Cebelle began on Monday, April 30, 1923, in Meridian, Mississippi. Cebelle Wilson was the fourth of thirteen children born to Walter and Lessie Wilson. Both her parents and eleven of her siblings, Lena  igpen, Dennis “D.P.” Page, Isaac Wilson, Pearlie Vinzant, Cora Smith, Olivia Jackson, Clarence “C.W.” Wilson, Walter Wilson, Lessie “Bea” Williams, George “Jam” Wilson, and Florence McCastle, preceded her in death. Cebelle was educated at Benson School in Jones County Mississippi. Growing up as a girl in Moselle/Ellisville, she was said to be mild mannered, kind-hearted, and intelligent. Although Cebelle was so -spoken, she was assertive when getting her point across. Cebelle knew that in order to create a rich and timeless legacy, she would need to migrate north for better opportunities. In the late 1940s, Cebelle did just that, she followed the footsteps of her older siblings and migrated to Chicago, IL. Upon her arrival, she eagerly found employment at Ecko Products. She was a gi to the company and worked there for several years. Cebelle had a full and giving heart. She aligned her passion for serving others with her work by dedicating many years to the Department of Aging and Chicago Public Schools. She brought joy to seniors and children through the love she put into her meal services. Like an heirloom, Cebelle’s smile, poise, and class attracted the attention of Plemon Smith. From the moment, they met they were inseparable. On May 4, 1950, Plemon and Cebelle united in Holy Matrimony, and to this union,  ve sons and one daughter were born. Her husband, Plemon Smith, and three sons, Gaines Smith, Cli on Smith, and Vaughn Smith, all preceded her in death. Cebelle accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She attended Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi. Once settled during the Great Migration to Chicago, she joined Central Memorial Missionary Baptist Church on November 3, 1957, under the leadership of the late Pastor Author Hubbard, Jr. She continued to serve on the Willing Workers ministry, under the leadership of current Pastor Benjamin Turk. As Cebelle aged in grace and her steps got shorter, she would occasionally attend church with her son at New St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, where you would  nd her clapping her hands and praising God with other believers. Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children rise up and call her blessed…” Cebelle made sure her children and grandchildren learned about Christ through their involvement in Sunday School and other Christian enrichment activities. She served her church and community with pride. Cebelle was active in the 3400 West Fulton block club, attending many events and outings for the children. It was there where she fostered a long life friendship with special friends who preceded her in death, Mother Eula Triplett and Mrs. Mammie Davis. Cebelle Smith was active in civil and political rights. She worked in the election polls for many years. Furthermore, she loved to travel both locally and nationally, making priceless memories in support of those she loved. On Sunday, September 19, 2021, Cebelle solidi ed her legacy and entered into eternal light. Cebelle leaves her legacy to her children:, Daniel Maurice (Janice) Smith, Regina Smith, and Emanual Abraham (Deonca) Smith, Sr.; her grandchildren, Daniel (Kameithia) Smith, Terrence (Ti any) Smith, Sr., Emanuel ( eresa) Smith, Jr., De’Tisha Joy Page, Joshua (Renitta) Smith, Patricia (Donald) Hughes, Donovan Smith, and Linda Smith; her great-grandchildren, Taniyah Smith, Emmyerie Smith, Amariyah Harris, Josiah Smith, Terrence Smith, Jr., Maki Brown, Mason Brown, Zoey Smith, Tristian Smith, Aaliyah Hughes, Emanuel A. Smith III, Tailynn Smith, Laila Smith, and Alyssa Hughes; her brother,  omas “T.D.” (Dorothy) Wilson, the last of the thirteen; sister-in-love, Elva Mobley; daughter-in-love, Jessie Shaw Smith; her furry grandbabies, Dreamgirl Smith, Peanut Butter Smith, Blessn Smith, and Juice Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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