Cecile D. Smith

Cecile D. Smith, 90, of Amarillo passed away July 13, 2020.

Cecile will be available for viewing from 8:00 am-8:00 pm, Friday, July 17, 2020 at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.

On March 24, 1930, the late Rev. Eddie Crow and his young bride, Mrs. Laura Wright Crow welcomed into the world their 8th child. A beautiful, emphatic, kind, compassionate baby girl that they chose to name Cecile. There to share in the celebration of the new arrival were the other seven children Louverna, L.B., Elgie, Fannie Mae, Byrdie, Jewelene, and Willie.

Cecile graduated from high school as valedictorian of her high school class. She and her sister Jewelene were avid basketball players. Once completing her basic education at Mt. Enterprise Schools, she pursued her dream and went on to Texas College. While there, she attended Charm School and later obtained her degree and graduated from Sweats Beauty College in Tyler, Texas. After her move to Amarillo, Texas in 1948, she followed her entrepreneurial instincts and she and her sister founded their own business “Crow’s Beauty Shop.” It was a successful operation that they managed for over 20 years. Ma received many awards at hair styling shows and won many trophies in hair styling contests.

After a world wind courtship, Cecile accepted the hand of her handsome pursuer. She was united in marriage to Charles “Daddy” Smith on February 17, 1969. He proceeded her in death in 1989.

Although she became “Ma” to many youngsters that crossed her path, she was the birthmother of one daughter, her pride and joy, Rita Louse Long Carpenter. Rita and her children’s father Jessie Carpenter welcomed into their heart two children, Qualic and Akili.

Ma’s love for her family was evident to anyone near her. That love coupled with her delight in traveling, often took her to distant lands. Visiting her baby brother, Forris and his wife, Thelma, in Lancaster, California, along with her big sister Birdie, in Inglewood, California was always a treat for her. On occasions, she would travel to Louisiana to visit her sister Jewelene. She also traveled to Amarillo, Texas from Indiana to visit her daughter and grandchildren before moving to Amarillo, Texas. She also traveled to Peru, Indiana to visit friends she knew before moving to Amarillo, Texas. She went to Hawaii with Rickey (her nephew and his family) and with her husband “Daddy”.

Having been reared in a Christian home, Ma accepted Christ at an early age. She was a woman that truly loved the Lord and it was evident not only in her “talk” but also in “her walk”. Upon moving to Indiana, she united with Way of Holiness C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Supt. Bennie Williams. She became active in many areas including the mother’s board and any area where she was needed. She cooked every Sunday for her pastor and his family. In 1993, she moved back to Amarillo, Texas and joined Emmanuel C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Supt. Elisha L. Demerson and became active as a member of the mother’s board. Ma’s love for God was often demonstrated in her loving kindness and caring for others. She loved helping others and was very giving of herself. She was truly a precious “Angel”.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Billy Long and Charles Smith; her sisters, Louverna Grayson, Fannie Mae Wright, Jewelene Mouton, Byrdie Ella English; and brothers, L.B. Crow, Rev. Elgie Crow and Willie Crow.

Survivors include her daughter, Rita Carpenter of Amarillo; two grandchildren, Akili Thrower (Anthony) of Indianapolis, IN and Qualic Carpenter Sr. of Grand Prairie, TX; four great-grandchildren, KaDaisha Carpenter, Akia Thrower, Qualic Carpenter Jr., and Amare Thrower; one brother, Forris E. Crow of Lancaster, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

To watch the service livestreamed, please visit www.zoom.com (Meeting ID:81611442231---Meeting Password: 900058)