Family will receive friends on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E., 2021 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211. 

 http://sunday.bethelcolumbus.us/. You may call in to listen @ (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID= 990 2498 2837 *** Passcode: 754991

Laydia Louise Smith, aged 77, a child of God, daughter, sister, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend made a peaceful transition on the evening of November 29 ,2023 surrounded by her loving family. Her life was an example of her strength, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Laydia was born on July 19, 1946, in Huntington, West Virginia, to William and Mary Emily (Barnes) King. She began her journey of faith at Young Chapel A.M.E. Church in Huntington, serving as a Sunday school teacher and usher.

She graduated from Huntington High School, Class of 1964. Laydia was a majorette at Douglas High School. She loved attending class reunions and truly enjoyed staying in touch with her classmates. Laydia was planning a special 2024 Retreat with a few classmates and their daughters.

On January 29,1966, Laydia married the love of her life Nathaniel G. Smith Jr. (affectionally known as Baby June or their nickname “Cholly”). Their union was blessed with two children, Tima and Nate.

As an Air Force military family, they lived in Abilene, Texas and then moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before settling in Columbus, Ohio.

Laydia had a career in Banking and Customer Service. She was instrumental in training bank tellers at Mellon Bank (Pa) and Bank One / Chase. After retiring, she worked in customer service at John Glen International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. She enjoyed greeting tourists and welcoming travelers back home. Her beautiful smile, friendly personality and knowledge of the city were greatly appreciated by many customers.

The couple joined Bethel A.M.E. church in 1972 and they were both active members.  Laydia was a director of the youth ushers and member of Senior Usher Board, Pastor’s Aid, Financial Team, and Stewardess board. 

Laydia was very involved with her siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  One of her favorite things to do was travel with friends and family.

Laydia is preceded in death by her late husband of 47 years, Nataniel G. Smith Jr., sister Charmaine King, niece Whitney King, and nephew Sean King, sister-in-law Sharon Hill.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion her daughter Tima (Anthony) Rankins, her son Nathaniel (Shannon) G. Smith III, sister Joylette (Jerome H.) Miller, brother Billy (Desire) King, brother-in-law Michael (Annette) Smith, she was a beloved Maw Maw to six grandchildren Nicole (Manny) Rosario, Amber Dove, Morgan (Byron), Haley (Isaiah), Nathan (Tykrysha) and niece Sasha.  Eight great grandchildren Israel, Addison, Mylo, Sebastian, Eva, Emmy, Emerson, and Jiliya.  Additional nieces and nephews Allen, Bobby, Renee, Kelly, Dana, niece, and God child Neika.  Close cousins Dorothy, Otis, Vincent, Germaine, Rhonda, Georgie, Brenda, Brian, Donella.  A host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, classmates, neighbors (Carolyn and Ebony) and her beloved Bethel A.M.E. family.