Funeral services for Bro. Robert Smith, also known as "Bittie" Smith, formerly of Houston, but who recently relocated to Bryan, will be held on Saturday, November 12, at 11:00 a.m.  at Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 501 North Houston St. in Bryan, where the Rev. Tamika Keys Baker is pastor.  The viewing will be at Jones and Washington Mortuary on Friday, November 11, from 10:00 a.m.  to 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place on Monday, November 14, at 11:00 a.m. in Houston at Paradise North Cemetery, 10401 West Montgomery 77088. Bro. Smith is the beloved brother of Sis. Linda Smith Asberry. For more information, you may contact Sis. Asberry at 979-255-0267.  We solicit your continued prayers.

Bro. Smith passed away at home on Thursday, November 3, 2022.  He was also known as "Bittie" Smith and was a 1954 graduate of E. A. Kemp High School, where he was a star athlete, excelling in both football and basketball. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant-Major, and remained in the Army reserve for 33 years.  He also attended Texas Southern University. Robert married and made his home in Houston.  He was father to five children.  His wife, Frankie, and a daughter, Assyria, preceded him in death. Robert remained closely connected to his high school and to his classmates, attending the school and class reunions as often as possible, even as recently as this past summer.  He was a Mighty Bear! A Mighty Kemp High School Bear!

Robert was the product of a spiritual family.  He accepted Christ at an early age and received his foundational training from his mother and from Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church.  After moving to Houston, he united with Jones Chapel A.M.E. and remained a faithful member there, serving for some 55 years.  Robert was an avid Bible scholar and an eager witness and worker for the Lord.   At Jones, he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Bible Study teacher.  Additionally, he served on the Steward Board and on the Trustee Board and was often the lead singer in the male chorus until he suffered a significant hearing loss in recent years, after experiencing some additional physical health challenges, his baby sister encouraged him to come back to Bryan with her.   In so doing, Robert became an affiliate member of his home church of Allen, while keeping active membership at Jones.  He loved to worship and praise the Lord and actively did so until his death.  He was a major soldier for the Lord!

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Frankie, a daughter, Assyria Smith Whaley, a grandson, Alfred Smith, Jr.; both parents; both brothers; and a sister, Ruby Lee Smith Toliver.

He leaves to cherish his memory: three sons: Robert Smith, Jr. (Sondra), Ronald Smith, Sr. (Elaine), Alfred Smith, Sr.; one daughter, Judy Smith; a granddaughter and adopted daughter, JeAnecia Smith Johnson (DeAndre); one sister, Linda Smith Asberry; thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

What a legacy of life and love! Please keep the family in prayer.

ZOOM ID: 811 5596 7952

PW: 546375

DIAL IN: 346-248-7799