Morris Berte Smith

SUNRISE AND SUNSET: The book of life opened in Emporia, Virginia on December 20, 1934 for Morris Berte Smith. He was born the second child of the late Harrell and Doria Brown Smith. Morris was called from labor to eternal reward on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at his home following a brief illness. CHILDHOOD: He grew up in Greenville County, Virginia. As he grew in his early years, he was the most popular boy in the neighborhood because of his athletic ability. Morris was also well-liked because of his pleasing personality. At an early age, he attended the Holiness Church in Emporia, Virginia. He later became and remained an affiliate member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Pocomoke City, Maryland for 41 years. Even though Morris was not seated in the pew every Sunday morning, he was faithful and he had a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ. EDUCATION: Morris received his early education in the public schools of Greenville County. His passion for his high school, Edward W. Wyatt High School, was evident in how he gave of himself tirelessly in all sports, but especially in basketball. Following high school, Morris attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland and received his Associate’s degree from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT: After being employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Emporia Golf Club, Morris answered the call to serve his country. In 1956, he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Army. HIS LIFE: He met the love of his life, Jessie Cottman in 1970 and they were married on November 25, 1972. Morris and Jessie enjoyed forty-one (41 years) of marital bliss. MILITARY SERVICE: Prior to retiring in 1983 as Master Sergeant, for twenty-seven (27) years, Morris served in various locations beginning with basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. Additional assignments included Korea as Squad Leader in the Infantry Battalion, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland in procurement, hospital clerk and member of the golf team, Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina in procurement, Fort Belvoir, Virginia in Officer’s Candidate School and member of the golf team, South Vietnam as supply sergeant, Fort Eustis, Virginia as a member of the golf team and Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana in the U.S. Army Recruiting School. Additionally, Morris was engaged with the U. S. Army Recruiting Commands in Bethesda, Maryland, Silver Spring, Maryland, Anacostia in S.E. Washington, DC, Military Enlistment Command, Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) in Elkridge, Maryland, Salisbury, Maryland where he was the first African-American Station Commander of the Recruiting Station and New Haven, Connecticut, Recruitment Command. No matter where Morris found himself serving his country, he served with dedication, commitment, pride and love. He counseled and mentored hundreds of men and women into the United States Army and afforded special privileges and opportunities for homeland recruits, especially from the tri-county area. ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT: For fourteen (14) years, Morris worked at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland where he served as the Director of Intramural Sports and the Golf Coach, long before golf became a recognized major at the University. AWARDS AND HONORS: In addition to the Bronze Star (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Service under Hostile Fire, Morris received more than fifty (50) plaques and certificates for outstanding recruitment in the U.S. Army recruiting and other noteworthy services. HOBBIES: Morris was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf, billiards, table tennis, basketball and bowling. As long as his health permitted, he enjoyed traveling with his wife to cultural and historic centers as well as to exotic places of interest. He also enjoyed many morning gatherings with friends and his spiritual mentor, the late Reverend Charles Cannon. SURVIVORS TO CHERISH HIS MEMORY: Precious memories will be cherished by: his loving wife, Jessie Cottman Smith of Pocomoke, Maryland; man’s best friend who was like his child, Moli of Pocomoke, Maryland; three brothers—John Smith of Baltimore, Maryland, Walter (Sonny) Smith of Richmond, Virginia and Gerald Smith of Emporia, Virginia; a stepsister, Josephine Weaver Ford (Gerald) of Richmond, Virginia; three sisters-in-law—Cleo Johnson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Blanche Smith of Richmond, Virginia and Gracie Smith of Emporia, Virginia; one brother-in-law, William Collier, Sr. of Crisfield, Maryland; three Godchildren—Nelva White, Shannon Hamilton and Jessica Mills, all of Pocomoke, Maryland; his favorite cousin, Thelma Jefferson and her husband Benjamin of Emporia, Virginia and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, golf buddies and a host of caring friends. Someday we will be together In our Father’s home above, Where we will thank Him for His mercy And praise Him for His love. Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Morris Berte Smith , please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Morris Berte Smith

December 20, 1934 - February 1, 2014