Elder Carla J. Harris Smith

Elder Carla Jean Harris Smith, 64, transitioned to her heavenly home on September 20, 2025. She is the daughter of the late Lorenzo Blackburn and Celestine Winnie (Willis) Harris and one of nine siblings. Carla served in the United States Army and was awarded two Army Commendation Medals and an Oversees Ribbon. She worked for the Federal Government as a civilian employee at various agencies: the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Erie, PA, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Boyers, PA, and retired as a Supervisor at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Richmond, VA. In 2014 she was awarded the Pittsburgh Federal Executive Board Woman of the Year Professional Employee Award. Upon her retirement in March 2025, she was awarded the Distinguished Career Service Award after serving 42 years and a host of awards throughout the years which are too many to mention.

Carla loved to learn. In 1996 she received her associate degree from Penn State University (PSU), in 2005 a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Superior Emmanuel Bible Institute, in 2016 a bachelor’s degree in communication with specialization in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University (CSU)-Global, and in 2024 she earned a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University (CMU). Carla would say, “the more she learned the more she realized how much she did not know.” When she was not in school, she was learning through attending church, online courses, and listening to preaching and teaching through CDs, TV, and audio. Through all the learning, her favorite book was the bible, which she read scriptures daily.

In 2023, Carla was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma, underwent chemo treatments, had a partial gastrectomy (removed half of her stomach), and continued to fight for her life.

Carla served alongside her husband, Bishop Stanley K. Smith, Pastor of St. John Missionary Full Gospel Baptist Church, Meadville, PA, for 20 years where she was licensed to preach the gospel in 1998 and ordained in 2002. She loved people with a heart of servanthood. She led numerous ministries: women, youth, El-Shaddai clothing, annual breast cancer awareness breakfasts, 5K run/walk in support of breast cancer research and treatments, scholarship award banquets, Sunday school teacher, choir director, worship leader, breaking chains prison ministry, and leader of the executive ministries. She was a former First Lady of the State of Pennsylvania for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International (FGBCFI), hosting Miss-Christ-tine Pageants, collecting and sowing needed items into women’s shelters, and preaching and teaching assignments throughout the state.

In 2016, Carla became a member of First Baptist Church of South Richmond, under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Dwight Jones and Rev. Dr. Derik Jones. There she graduated from Joshua’s Army training and served in Christian Education, a Greeter, and the First Impressions Ministries.

Carla is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Candace Williams and Cheryl Williams, and one brother, Russell Harris. She is survived by her husband: Bishop Stanley K. Smith, three daughters, Carlena Evans of Dubai, Ashley (Michael) Pitts of Philadelphia, PA, Hadassah Smith of Dallas, TX, five grandchildren, Zion Gatewood  of Los Angeles, CA, Jonathan, Michayla, Julian, and Micah Pitts (all of Philadelphia, PA), Six siblings: James (Debbie) Williams of Clarksville, PA, Sandra Williams of Harrisburg, PA, Celestine Person of San Tan Valley, AZ, Rev. Donna (Rev Barry) Chambers of Harrisburg, PA, Lorenzo (Ella) Harris of North Pole, AK, and Loren Perry-Harris of Washington, PA, and a host of relatives, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She lived a life of service to the Lord and demonstrated grace even while ill. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at First Baptist Church South Richmond, 1501 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA.

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5004 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.