Shelly Carmean Smith was born June 19, 1949 in Columbus, Ohio to Herbert and Dorothy Good. She went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, January 6, 2021 with her sister Pam and niece Tiffany at her side.
Shelly attended Columbus City Schools and graduated from West High School. Shelly was beautiful both inside and out and voted by her high school classmates to the Homecoming Court. Following high school, Shelly took a job with Ohio Bell Telephone Company until her retirement. She enjoyed attending church, going to the movies, shopping, watching TV, and reading books.
Shelly was raised in a Christian home and knew what it meant to live a Christian life. On a Saturday in March 1970, Shelly went to the Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith and was baptized in the Name of Jesus and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. Prior to giving her life to the Lord, she would discuss with her sisters & sister-in-law her desire to be saved. After receiving the Holy Ghost, Shelly said she felt like she was on a cloud…she felt so alive and happy! That joy never left her spirit.
She met her husband, Dr. Martin (Marty) K. Smith, while they both worshipped at the Church of Christ under the pastorate of Marty’s grandfather, the late Bishop Karl F. Smith. They were married on October 25, 1975 and until his death, they were blessed to be married for 42 years. Shelly and Marty were godparents and mentors to many. They always considered their niece, Marcy Tidwell, as their adopted daughter as she lived with them for two years during her teen yearsnAfter marriage, Shelly and Marty branched out from the Church of Christ. Marty was led of the Lord to start a church and founded Holy Spirit Fellowship. Spanning years and various locations, the church became known as Kingdom Ministries United. Shelly was indeed an asset to her husband’s ministry. Not only was she the First Lady of the church, but she eventually became her husband’s Assistant Pastor. She was an outstanding preacher, teacher, counselor, woman’s group leader, Sunday school teacher, and a mentor to many individuals. Shelly did whatever her hands could do to build up the Kingdom of God. Shelly loved to study God’s Word and would quickly quote a scripture to help and encourage you along your walk with the Lord. One of her favorite sayings was “The Judge of all the earth will do right!” (Genesis 18:25)
About 6 years ago, Shelly suffered a stroke and it caused her to become visually impaired. Despite the challenges, she never lost faith in God and always looked to Jesus. Throughout her entire life, she continued to be a WOMAN OF FAITH! In 2018, Shelly’s husband, Marty, the love of her life, and caregiver passed away. Family members and friends came to Shelly’s aid to help her with her personal needs, meals, and household chores. During this time, Shelly was blessed to have her great-niece, Amaya Lewis, and family friend, Vanessa Bryant as her caregivers.
Several months later, she moved from her home to the home of her sister Pam and niece Tiffany where she resided until her death.
Shelly continued to look to her faith and wanted to be used by God to give HIM GLORY! Shelly truly loved the Lord and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched. She fought the good fight and has finished her course!
Preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Martin K. Smith, parents, Herbert and Dorothy Good; brothers, Gerald Good, Timothy C. Good; sisters, Etta Jean Good, Dorothy Maxine Smith, and Carol W. Woodruff. Shelly leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Deacon Hugh Brian (Donna) Good; her sisters, Andrea Kershaw, Charlotte Gailliard, Southfield, Michigan, Sylvia Good Brown, Darnell (Deacon Karl) Tidwell, Pamela Good Coles; Ronda Good Lewis; brothers-in-law, David K. (Joycelyn) Smith, Nathan Kyle Smith; twin sisters-in-law, Carol Jean Smith and Carla Smith Jones; best friend, Shirley (Dennis) Hales; special nieces, Tiffany (Kevin) Coles-Thrweatt (caregiver), Marcy Tidwell, Amaya Lewis; special nephew,Mike Denny, Jr; godchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.