Edward Clarence Smith

Edward Clarence Smith, age 61, transitioned from this earthly life into eternity to spend with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. He was born in Asheville, North Carolina and the youngest child of Jessie Clarence and Libby Mae Smith, who preceded him in death. Surrounded and cared for by his family, he departed peacefully into glory.

Edward was a well-loved, well known, and a very skilled musician. God spiritually gifted Edward to play music as a child. His parents purchased him a piano in elementary school and he sat down and began to play classical musical by ear. The organist at the time at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Reynolds, recognized his musical talent and taught him to read music and then encouraged the church to hire him. Edward became the organist at Mt. Zion at the age of 10. He faithfully served using his gifts for 51 years by serving as a minister of music, choir director, and organist. Before his death, Edward was blessing St. Matthias Episcopal Church and Haywood Street Congregation through the organ and his voice. Edward filled the entire space of these sanctuaries, almost every single service, and was the living soundtrack to weddings, memorials, and other celebrations. He graduated from  Asheville High School.

Edward was preceded in death by several sisters and brothers, Gilbert Kyles, Jessie Smith. Jr., Ernestine Wroten, Joan Baird, Constance Gist, Vernon Smith, and Mary Clark.

He is survived by brother Willie Smith (Joanne) of Moore, SC, sisters Alberta Vernon of Inman, SC, Pearl Kyles and Geraldine (Stanley) Haynes of Asheville, NC, and Rev. Yvonne Frederick of Columbia, SC, several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to Haywood Street Congregation, St. Matthias Episcopal Church, the staff of Mission Health and CarePartners Hospice Solace Center, and all the family, church members, and friends who demonstrated their love through visitations, phone calls, prayers, and cards. The family would like to acknowledge Libby Kyles (niece), Pearl Kyles (sister), Zondra Wroten (niece), and Rev. Brian Combs (pastor) for being there every step of the way.

Mr. Edward Clarence Smith will be laid to rest during a private family service. Service will be lived streamed on Wednesday, January 6th starting at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Edward’s name to Haywood Street Congregation, PO Box 2982, Asheville, NC 28802 or www.haywoodstreet.org. 

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