Mrs. Willye Neal Smith

Mrs. Willye Neal Smith, 75, of Chicago, IL formerly of Liberty, MS departed this earthly life on February 17, 2023 in Chicago, IL. Graveside services will be Saturday, February 25, at 11:00am in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Willye Neal Smith was born February 1st 1943 in Liberty, MS to the union of the late Willie Maxwell and Lucille Spears Maxwell. She was the 10th of eleven children. She received her formal education at Liberty Rosenwald High School in Liberty, MS. And Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS., where she received a Bachelor’s degree, and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. William H. Tobias. After relocating to Chicago, Illinois, Willye Neal united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of the late Reverend J.J. Taylor She was joined in matrimony to her college sweetheart, Elton Smith, Jr. To this loving union two daughters were born. Willye Neal was employed with the Chicago Board of Education Public School system for over thirty-three years until her retirement. Willye Neal’s life was an inspiration. It mirrored the reflection of her Christian upbringing. She was fondly called “Neal” and was compassionate, loving, devoted, giving, and loved spoiling her Granddaughter. Her Sunday Dinners will surely be missed. On Friday. February 17th 2023 God decided Neal’s work here was done and called her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, her Brothers; Curtis Maxwell, Sr., Morris L. Maxwell Sr., Cleophas Maxwell, Edward Maxwell, Esko G. Maxwell, Otis Maxwell Jr., James K. Maxwell and Her Sisters Mary L. Horton, and Clara Alexander. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving Husband Elton Smith, Jr., Two Daughters, Cassandra Smith and Carmella Smith of Chicago, Illinois. One granddaughter Jasmine Neal Smith, Chicago, Illinois, One Sister, Nettie Maxwell of Liberty, MS. Brother in Laws, Willie B Smith, Brookhaven, MS., McKinley Smith, Maywood, IL., Lee Edward Smith (Pamela). Frankfort, IL., Sister-in-law Annie Ruth Robinson, Brookhaven, MS., and a host of nieces, nephew, relatives and friends. We will continue to follow the CDC guidelines, Mask and Social Distancing will be required upon entering the facility. Services entrusted to Peoples Undertaking Co. Condolences can be shared at www.peoplesundertakingcompanyinc.com

Mrs. Willye Neal Smith

February 1, 1943 - February 17, 2023