Evelyn Marnett Smith

MY JOURNEY 

Evelyn Marnetta Smith was born September 10, 1938, to the late Edward Jones Jr. and Elizabeth Hall Jones. She was the second of three children; sister: Verna Jones Lyle and brother: Edward Jones, both preceding her in death. Born in Cleveland, OH she was raised in Cleveland's Central area off of Scovill Avenue with siblings and her dear childhood friend Corletta Hampton. 

Evelyn attended Cleveland Public Schools graduating from East Tech High School. She accepted Christ at an early age. 

Evelyn met the love of her life Theodore "Ted" Smith working as a waitress. They were married in June 1956. It was a union that lasted for over fifty years before his death in 2009. To this union three children were born: Theotis Corrnell (preceded in death), Victor Todd and Vance Edward Smith. 

They enjoyed countless travels throughout the country together and with children. family and close friends. They were very sociable among numerous married couples and built a strong family network of friends, all led by Evelyn. 

Evelyn worked various jobs since high school, including being a waitress before entering Cosmetology School. She received a diploma from cosmetology school in 1963. 

Evelyn also worked as owner/operator of Beautician Beauty Salon in the Cleveland Mt. Pleasant area with her then business partner Bea Giles. They started their first salon together on MLK Blvd. & Corlett Ave. Later, deciding to go into different directions Evelyn opened a salon on E. 124th and Corlell Ave. before moving to her last location on E131st and Southview Ave. She gave opportunities to many beauticians who became lifelong friends. 

Evelyn was active in the Ohio Association of Beauticians Cleveland Chapter, serving the Ohio Association of Beauticians, Inc. Hall of Fame in 2015. She actively attended as the Chapter President during her years of involvement. She was inducted into trend in hairdressing styles and new hair products.

Evelyn was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Cleveland before uniting with Holy Trinity Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Henry Payton in 1968. She continued her worship and service to this ministry into its current leadership under Rev. Dr. Chelton C. Flanagan. She served as the Usher Board #1 President along with serving in the Women Fellowship and Mission Ministries. She was a faithful servant to this church for over fifty years. 

At her core, Evelyn was the matriarch of the family and neighborhood. She hosted all holiday dinners, cookouts, and parties for everyone to attend. Every gathering was always filled with plenty of love, food, and card games as entertainment including bid whist, spades, phase 10, and the little-known jackpot game "Chase the Ace". 

Evelyn was always involved in social clubs, particularly travel clubs. visits to landmarks throughout the country and cruises. She enjoyed being a part of card clubs: playing bridge and other card games with members and a special savings group called the "Fabulous Six". 

Evelyn was involved in an amateur bowling group that bowled in three leagues in the Cleveland area. The network of friends she bowled with throughout the years competed in bowling tournaments throughout the State of Ohio and nationally accumulating several placement trophies and plates for their finish. 

Living in an all-male home, she enjoyed watching the Cleveland sports teams particularly the Guardians which she loved attending baseball games with her twin grand-babies. 

Evelyn departed this life on Sunday, May 26, 2024. 

The life of Evelyn will not die but continue in the hearts of her two sons: Victor (Anita) and Vance Smith; four grandchildren: Victor Todd Smith Jr. (Kellie), Alycia Smith, Emmanuel, and Elijah Smith (Twins); two great-grandchildren: Karmin Smith, Alyzah Johnson and a host of numerous special family and friends.

A Public Viewing will be held on June 13, 2024, 3:00PM - 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH. The Celebration of Life Services will be held on June 14, 2024, 10:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at the Holy Trinity Baptist Church, 3808 E 131st St, Cleveland, OH.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Evelyn's Tribute Wall.