Recognizing Reverend Jacqueline Delorise Smith

Floor Speech

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Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an inspiring woman of God, a loving wife, dedicated, doting grandmother, pace setting trailblazer, and friend to humankind, Reverend Jacqueline Delorise Smith. A retirement reception attended by her family, many friends and well-wishers was held on February 18, 2023, at 3:00 pm in Columbus, Georgia.

Reverend Smith's remarkable life began in Grady County, Georgia. She was educated in the Grady County School System at Washington Consolidated High School. She obtained her post-secondary education degrees in Sociology from both Thomas University and Bainbridge University.

Her professional pursuits took her to be the lead Psychiatric Assistant at Southwestern State Hospital and a Social Worker at Georgia Pine for the State of Georgia, serving for a period of 31 years. A multi-talented individual, she also trained as a Practical Nurse and worked as a CPR Instructor, Emergency Medical Technician and Home Health Technician.

Reverend's Smith's life was changed forever when she answered the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of her commitment to the Gospel and to God's people she was ordained as a Deacon in 1990 and in 1992 was elected to be an Intinerant Elder. She presented her first trial sermon in September of 1987.

Her pastoral care has taken her to many churches, often serving as the first female Pastor in these houses of God. She has served at the following churches during her powerful ministry to include Bryant Chapel in Reno, Georgia, Rock Hill in Beachton, Georgia, Saint John AME Church, Cedar Springs AME in Whigham, Georgia, she was the second female Pastor in Bainbridge, Georgia. This was followed by service at the St. Peter AME Church in Camilla, Georgia and the Bethel AME Church (Circuit) in Attapulgus, Georgia.

In 2004, her historical accomplishments on behalf of the Kingdom continued when she was appointed the first female Presiding Elder in the South Georgia Conference by Bishop Frank C. Cummings. She continued to pastor churches while serving as the presiding Elder to include Mount Olive in Ocilla, Georgia, Bethel AME in Alaptha, Georgia, St. Pete AMAE in Valdosta, Georgia, St. Paul AME in Valdosta, Georgia, Peyton AME in Claytonville/Valdosta, Georgia, Francis Lake in Lake Park, Georgia Bethel AME in Fitzgerald, Georgia and ATOC AME in Dawson, Georgia.

Her life is an example of how one person can make a difference when carrying out God's will for their lives. Presiding Elder Smith has served her God and she has served him well.

Presiding Elder has accomplished much in her life but none of her successes would have been possible without the Love of God and support of her husband, Charles Dewey Smith who serves as an area consultant of the Southwest Georgia District, their three children and nine grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian, and I, along with the more than 765,000 people of the Second Congressional District and my colleagues extend their congratulations to Presiding Elder in honor of her distinguished career in service to God and humankind. May the next phase of her life be filled with happiness and a continued servant's heart.

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