On Monday, June 15, 2026, Pastor James Henry Smith, Sr. heard and responded to the Master’s call. He transitioned from earthly toils at Allendale County Hospital, Fairfax, South Carolina. He was born on April 23, 1929, in Hampton County, South Carolina to the late John Smith, Sr. and Maybelle Brown Smith.
He was educated in the public schools of Hampton County, South Carolina.
As a youth, he became a baptized member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church located in Hampton, South Carolina. After relocation from Hampton to Maryland, Pastor James Henry Smith, Sr. became the Founder and Pastor of First Community Baptist Church of Bowie, Maryland where he served as Pastor of the body of Christ for twenty-seven (27) years. After returning to his native home of Hampton, South Carolina, he became the founder of First Community Church of Varnville, South Carolina which was established in 1999. An entrepreneur, he owned and operated his business, Smith’s Sheet Metal Company.
On March 30, 1948, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Carnelia J. Smith. To this union was the blessing of ten (10) children.
In addition to his wife, preceding him in death are four children, all of whom are heavenly angels and eight siblings: Pastor John Smith, Jr., Henry Smith, Frank Smith, Emily Gordon, Addie Wright, Mamie Scriven, Maybelle Fountain, and Ora Singleton.
To cherish loving memories are sons: James (Mary) Smith, Jr. of Lakeland, Florida, Benjamine (Connie) Smith of Hampton, South Carolina; Daughters: Adrine Diane (Dr. Pastor Jackie) Taylor of Pasadena, Maryland, Elise (Elder Hue) McDaniel of Fairfax, South Carolina, Bernice (Randy) Hill of Hampton, South Carolina, and Elizabeth (Pastor Joe) Mole, III of Fairfax, South Carolina; (14) Grandchildren; (25) Great grands; (1) Great great grand; A Host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loving friends.
