Christopher Lane Smith

Christopher Lane Smith was born on January 7, 1959,  to Jimmie D. and the late Ottawa in Tippah County, MS. 

Christopher accepted Christ and joined Adkins Chapel U.M. Church. He attended Line Street and Ripley High School. He also attended Faith Bible Institute Seminary School.

He accepted his calling to the ministry and became the pastor of Greater New Hope in Myrtle, MS where he remained for 18 years. He was an active member of Pleasant Grove M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Ronnie Driver until his untimely death. 

Christopher was employed by the City of Oxford's Utility Department. He brought a lot of joy and laughter to the lives of so many people. His favorite pastime was grilling, giving himself the nickname "Old Chunk of Coal." He was a very compassionate man and constantly made himself available to help others.

On October 28, 2021 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, he departed his earthly life. To cherish his memory he leaves: his wife, Vermacy Smith; special friend, Judy Driver; children, Greg (Christina) Smith, Anthony (Yolanda) Smith, Khadeja (C.J.) Mackey, Ieshea Smith, Victoria (Deon) Turner, Mike Mitchell (Krisna), Brandi White, and Demetrius Dunn; 22 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; mother, Jimmie D. Smith; siblings, Aubrey (Linda) Smith, Sylvia Agnew, Connie Smith, Lonnie Smith, Prophet Patrick (Chiquita) Johnson, Nicholas Smith, and Veronica Smith; god children, Travis Burt and Brandon McCray; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Christopher was preceded in death by his father, Ottawa N. Smith; father and mother-in-law, Warren and Cherry Tyson; special niece, Aaliyah McWilliams; and brother-in-law, Jerry Agnew.