Roger Hewell Smith

Reflections of a Blessed Life

Brother Roger Hewell Smith was born on April 10, 1945, in Woodville, Mississippi, to the late Pastor Eugene David Smith and Mother Ethel Lee Smith. He was one of eleven children born into the family. He was affectionately known as "Little Hewey" and "Road Runner." Roger loved all of his siblings and enjoyed spending quality time with them.

Roger accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and joined Angola Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor E.D. Harden. His faith in God was an important part of his life's journey.

Roger would often tell his siblings, "I am going to build me a church on top of the hill and preach just like my daddy." He always talked about the goodness of God. One of Roger's famous sayings was, "God gave me a new life and a new body." One of his favorite songs to sing was, "If you hear of my homegoing, don't worry about me. I am just another soldier gone home to be with the Lord."

Roger attended Wilkinson County High School in Woodville, Mississippi. He was a hardworking man who spent many years working in the construction and trucking industries. He took pride in his work and truly enjoyed what he did.

Roger enjoyed spending precious time with his family. He loved being in the company of those he loved and creating memories that will forever be cherished. He also had a special love for horses and found great enjoyment in horseback riding. Roger enjoyed riding his four-wheeler and loved to sing.

Roger Smith was united in marriage to Mary Montgomery Smith, and to this union, one child was born.

On Sunday, August 23, 2026, Roger answered the Master's call and peacefully departed this earthly life. Though his departure has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends, we find comfort and peace in knowing that he accepted Christ, and that his earthly journey has led him home. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will forever remain in our hearts.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Eugene David Smith and Mother Ethel Lee Smith; one sister, Oceal Marie Newman; and four brothers, Johnnie Smith, Bennie Smith, Samuel Smith, and Clifford Smith.

Brother Roger leaves behind his wife, Mary Smith, his two daughters, Bridgett Cain (William) of Centreville, MS, Tamara Elizabeth Weaver of Pensacola, FL; three sons, Taroney Leon Lewis of St. Louis, MO, Hewey M. Turner (Pamela) of Centreville, MS, Roger T. Smith, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, and one stepdaughter, Latoya Montgomery of Atlanta, GA; five sisters, Mrs. Adrian Bickham of Woodville, MS; Minister Carolyn Ross of Maywood, IL; Mrs. Ivory Lange of Baton Rouge, LA; Mrs. Juanita (Omer) Lange of Baton Rouge, LA; Prophetess Jessie (Reverend Wayne) Minor of Woodville, MS; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many relatives and friends.