First Lady Orpha Smith

Orpha Smith was born on July 20, 1930, to Ike and Lenora Rice. She was the third of seven children, born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and educated in the Kansas City school district. From a young age, her sweet and loving nature earned her a special place in the hearts of her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her four sisters—Katherine Jean, Mary Frances, Iva Marie, and Maggie Naomi—her two brothers, William and Alfred, one son, Everett Lamar Smith, and the love of her life, her husband, Elder Wilbur L. Smith, Sr.

Orpha accepted Christ at a young age. She truly had a light that shined brightly, touching the lives of countless souls as she seemed to welcome all whom she encountered and readily accepted them as family and friends. Orpha was cherished and adored by her parents and her siblings. As a small child, she sweetly made requests by saying, “Gimme chum(some).” Her family found it so adorable that they lovingly nicknamed her “Chum.” Each of them possessed a deep love and respect for their dear sister, and their children grew up to hold their Aunt Chum dear to their hearts.

The epitome of the virtuous Proverbs woman, Orpha’s profound devotion to the Lord was evident in her walk, marked by acts of charity, prayer, and service to others. She strove for holiness and sought to emulate the teachings of Jesus. In 1947, Orpha met the love of her life, Wilbur L. Smith Sr. Both attended what Wilbur called a “Great Revival” at Evangelist Temple COGIC, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He saw the beautiful Orpha Rice in the choir stand playing the tambourine and was smitten. They began a courtship, were later married, and were happily married for 73 years. At Evangelist Temple, they served faithfully at until they began their own ministry. Orpha became a first lady as she worked beside her husband to establish a new church. They pastored at numerous locations until finally settling at 4441 Kensington Avenue, where Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ was cemented. She served as a first lady for 68 years, inspiring countless women to strive to be holy women of God. She taught them to forego complaining and learn to be content with what they were blessed with, to walk with confidence, and to use the gifts God had given them for His glory.

She was a faithful and dutiful wife, a loving and nurturing mother, and a gentle and wise grandmother. She and Wilbur raised nine sons and five daughters, teaching the principles that mattered most to her: serving the Lord, serving others, seeking peace with all, especially family, and showing the love of Christ to everyone. She was a mother to so many—her church family, her neighborhood, the church community, and the generations she birthed through her natural children. Her personal legacy boasts more than one hundred descendants, and she still had enough love to adopt countless others into her heart. In the home, she insisted on peace and leaned into the joy of the Lord. She filled the home with love and laughter, creating an atmosphere of praise in her heart while the gospel sounds of KPRT played all day. She kept her mind on the Lord and always encouraged others to “Take the Lord along with you.” She didn’t just speak it—she lived it. Known for her comedic quips, she never stopped spreading infectious joy and she NEVER ceased to convey her goal, as she frequently reminded us that she was on her way to heaven and glad about it.

Mother Smith handed down many gifts and loves to her family. She was an accomplished pianist and singer who, after over 90 years on this earth, never lost the song in her heart. If you wanted to sing praises to the Lord, just start, and she would join in—she was always READY. She was well-known for her soul food feasts and delectable baked goods. She was artful and creative, crafting her own fashions for many years. She loved children and kept her doors open for young ones, whether they were family members or not, even in her golden years. She was everyone’s mother and grandmother. Her heart was filled with love for people, a love that was passionately reciprocated by those whom she showed love to. These attributes were adopted by her children and her children’s children, down to five generations. She lives on through her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory 8 sons; Wilbur Lee Jr.(Sherry), Ernest Lee, Ronald Lee(Teresa), Steve Andrew(Kim), Joel Bernard, Wayne Orlando, Brian Leander(LaTonya), and Lemuel J.(Tisa); 5 daughters; Marilyn Ruth, Willetta Marie, Janet Elizabeth, Miranda Cherelle, Chenise Renee; 27 grandsons; 21 granddaughters; 33 great grandsons; 47 great granddaughters; 2 great-great grandsons; 15 great-great granddaughters; and a host of nephews, nieces, adopted sons & daughters in the Gospel and precious friends.