Oneta Ruth Johnson Smith

January 8, 1933 - February 4, 2021

Oneta Ruth Johnson Smith, 88, of Cleveland passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021. She was born in Silver Point, TN to William E. and Bernie George Johnson. Oneta was a graduate of the University of Chattanooga where she was a member of Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society. She was a member of the Westmore Church of God where she was a former staff person and choir chaplain. She married Wendell Smith in 1956 and soon became an elementary school teacher. It wasn’t long before she left teaching to become a full-time pastor’s wife. Although Oneta was not a credentialed minister, her ministry calling was evident. As a pastor’s wife, she was always observant to ways of creating ministry opportunities which would enrich the church. To the Church of God denomination, she was a contributing writer for many publications, a speaker for women’s events, and served on the International Women’s Ministries Board of Directors. She also created “Grandma and Grandpa’s Camp” for her fourteen grandchildren which she conducted each summer. Her legacy is her family, who follow the path of faith she modeled. Oneta was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. W. E. and Bernie George Johnson; sister, Patsy Johnson; and brother, Paul Johnson. Survivors include her husband of over 64 years, Rev. Wendell Smith of Cleveland; Children, Denise Watkins (Mike) of Cleveland, Sharon Thompson (Barrett) of Fayetteville, GA, Rev. Stephen Smith (Kristen) of Knoxville, Susan Morris (Ron), and Darla Smith both of Jacksonville, FL; Grandchildren, Jaclyn Gallaher, John Watkins, Jr., Kent Thompson, Will Thompson, Sarah Thompson, Katherine Thompson, Trey Smith (Erica), Caleb Smith, Alexandria Smith, Erica Diaz (Felix), Alexis Campbell (Scott), Michael Morris, Matthew Morris, Marcus Morris; sister, Peggy Chambley (Sonny); sister-in-law Linda Johnson; seven great-grandchildren with another one due in June; and several nieces and nephews. A private graveside ceremony and interment at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN will take place on Thursday, February 11, 2021. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021 in the chapel of Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Northshore Fellowship Church of God Building Fund at 10015 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37922 or online at . The family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga and Legacy Village of Cleveland for their care and kindness shown to Oneta. The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Smith family by going to www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.