On Friday, June 29, 1951, a beautiful baby girl was born to Mattie Mae Phillips, who proudly named her Almeta Joann. As a little girl, Joann would gain a bonus dad, Billy Phillips, and together Mattie Mae and Billy raised her with love. Joann grew up in Taft, Oklahoma, where she received her formal education at Taft-Moton Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1969- "The Home of the Chocolate City Panthers."

Almeta's home and heart were filled with the loves of her life- her children and grandchildren, whom she loved beyond words. Family meant everything to her, and the love she gave them was constant, strong and unconditional. Those waiting for her at Heaven's gates preceding her in death were her mother Mattie Mae Phillips.

As she began her working career, Almeta dedicated herself to serving others. For 28 years, she was employed with the State of Oklahoma, working at both Oklahoma Children's Center-North in Taft and the L.E. Rader Center in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. No matter which location she served, the children and her coworkers loved her dearly. There was hardly a life she encountered that she did not touch, and if you were in her presence, she was never afraid to share her faith or lead a heart toward Christ.

As a faithful member of New Life Ministries for over 38 years, under the leadership of Michael and Denise Gaulden Sr., Almeta served faithfully and wore many hats. Lovingly known as Mother Smith, she served wherever she was needed. From singing in the choir, to working in the kitchen, to loving on members of the community, Almeta made sure her hands stayed busy doing all that she believed God had called her to do.

If you knew Almeta, you knew she was a strong, loving and faith filled woman who never turned her back on anyone. She always had a smile, a prayer and a word of encouragement ready to help someone along the way. She believed deeply in the power of prayer. It was not something she simply talked about; her life was a daily example of what it meant to "pick of your cross" and follow Christ daily.

Almeta made sure everyone around her knew that no matter what life brought their way, God was always the answer. She encouraged others to keep Him first and to allow Him to remain the head of their lives. And on Wednesday, August 25, Almeta answered the call of her Lord and Savior to come home.

Even though her passing feels untimely on this side to those who loved her, Almeta would remind us that God never fails. She would tells us that "He always works everything out for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."

SO, on today, we the family of Almeta Joann Smith, will honor her the way she would want us to- by celebrating not only her memory, but also the Lord she loved so much. And through our tears, our memories and our gratitude we thank God for allowing us the privilege of loving her, being loved by her and witnessing a life well lived. 

Mrs. Almeta Joann Smith, resident of Taft, Oklahoma, in her 75th year, dozed into eternity on Tuesday evening, August 25, 2026 in Tulsa.

The Sacred Farewell for Mother Smith will commence on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Tenth Hour in the most holy sanctuary of New Life Ministries in Taft, Oklahoma where Pastor Michael & Denise Gaulden Sr., will preside.

You may visit her as she slumbers in sweet repose on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm in The People's Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc.,-Muskogee.

The Christian Committal will immediately follow the services in the Green Hill Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

You may order flowers: (918)687-7574 lakelandflorist.com