John Henry Smith was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on November 17, 1931. He transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home on August 28, 2023. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and continued to serve Him faithfully until the day he departed this earth. He was a dedicated member at Bethel A.M. E. Church for over 60 years. He served faithfully in many capacities including Church School Teacher, Church School Superintendent, Trustee, Choir Member, and Associate Minister. While everyone around him recognized the calling on his life, he continued with his passion for teaching and sharing God's word until he acknowledged his calling to enter the ministry later in life. He was licensed to preach on March 23, 1997, by Presiding Elder J.K. Holiday. He was ordained as a Local Deacon and later as a Local Elder in the AME Church by Presiding Elder C.G. Henning Sr. On October 27, 2002, Presiding Elder Henning appointed him as Pastor of Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church in Lena, LA where he had been assisting for an extended period of time.