REVEREND SAM IRVIN SMITH, SR.
1940-2018
Sam Irvin Smith, Sr., 77, was born in Houston, Texas on August 17, 1940 to Marie Pickens and Oscar Kelley Alston. He was adopted in his first year of life by Emma Foreman Smith and Bill Smith. During his elementary school years, he acquired a stepfather, Rev. Amos Spencer. At Yates and Texas Southern University, “Big Sam“was outstanding in football.
In 2009, Rev. Sam Irvin Smith, Sr. retired with thirty years of service primarily at Barbara Jordan High School for Careers where he mentored scores of students who remained in his life.
Still teaching, Rev. Smith answered the call to ministry, and was licensed as a local pastor n 1990. He was assigned to both Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church in Willis, Texas and China Chapel United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Texas. He served the latter until his death and lead the rebuilding of a 152-year-old structure.
During retirement, “Mr. Smith” became shop supervisor in the School of Architecture of Prairie View A&M University where he initiated the construction of the recently completed 27,000 SF Pre-Fabrication Lab.
Sam loved his family, his church, photography, and fine attire but he loved the Lord with all his heart and soul the most. Sam Irvin Smith, Sr. was a networking magician, a “great convener.” He was a member of King David Masonic Lodge #2500 and Alpha Beta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Preceding Sam in death were his birth parents, Marie Pickens Ryans, Oscar Kelley Alston; his parents by virtual adoption, Emma Foreman Smith and Bill Smith; his stepfather Rev. Amos Spencer; and his sister Dora Mae Henson.
The loss of Sam Irvin Smith, Sr. is mourned by countless family, friends, colleagues but principal among the mourners are his devoted wife, Dr. E. Joahanne Thomas-Smith, his sister, Carolyn Sanders; his daughter Sametrius Wells and son Sam Irvin Smith, Jr.; his grandsons, Denzel Wells (Andie) and Shomonick Gaston; his great granddaughters, Avery and Nykara; his aunts, Lillie Allen and Lessie Jefferson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members; his Barbara Jordan High School family; his China Chapel United Methodist Church family; his beloved Yates High School football cohorts; his PVAMU colleagues, especially the faculty and staff of the School of Architecture. Also mourning the loss of a friend who was closer than family were Henry Hawkins; James Sparks; Dave Powell; Charles Leon; Donald Allen; Shannon Fields; Eric McAdams; Michael L. McFrazier; James A. Wilson, Jr. ;Barry Norwood; Allen Battle; Paris Kincaid; Donald Allen; John Briscoe; and the Easley boys: Clayton, Arnett, and Lewis.
Sam’s request is that those who mourn his loss from this place will find solace in supporting the Sam Irvin Smith, Sr., School of Architecture Scholarship Fund.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 in the Willie A. Tempton, Sr., Memorial Student Center at Prairie View A&M University. Viewing from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon. Masonic and fraternal rituals from 12:0012:45 p.m.
Funeral at 1:00 p.m. Reverend DeAndre Manning, officiating.