A Life of Faith, Service, and Strength of Pastor Susan Hunt-Smith

Pastor Susan Hunt-Smith was born to the late Gladys Frazier Hunt and Elvin Hunt Sr., the fifth of seven children. Raised in a home rooted in faith, family, compassion, and service, she grew up surrounded by the values that would guide her throughout her life. Susan graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1973, carrying with her the same gentle spirit, giving heart, and deep love for God and His people that would define her journey.

In 1972, Susan was united in marriage to Bobby Louis Taplin Sr., and together they were blessed with four children - two daughters and two sons. Motherhood became one of her greatest joys. Though their marriage later dissolved, Susan and Bobby remained friends.

Professionally, Susan devoted much of her life to caring for others. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in 2008 and served faithfully in the nursing field until her retirement in 2022. Nursing was not simply her profession—it was an extension of her calling to serve. In addition to her nursing career, she worked for many years as a tax preparer, using her knowledge and skills to support and uplift those who depended on her.

Years later, Susan was re-introduced to Leon “Iceburg Slim” Smith through a friend and her cousin, Charles Burrell. Their connection blossomed into love, and they were married on August 29, 1999. Through this union, Susan was blessed with additional sons and a daughter, forming a blended family filled with love. Leon affectionately called her his “Black Indian Queen”; she called him “My Good Husband”, and together they shared 22 beautiful years. Her family remained her joy, and she continued to pour love, strength, and guidance into each generation.

Susan’s spiritual journey deepened when she re-dedicated her life to Christ. Answering the call to ministry, she became a devoted servant of God. On December 7, 2003, she was installed as Co-Pastor of The Church House of Prayer Inc under the direction of Sis Carol Spaulding. Her dedication, leadership, and love for God’s people continued to flourish, and on April 23, 2023, she was formerly installed as Pastor under the direction of Rev. Jesse Frazier. Her ministry extended far beyond the church walls; she was a pillar of the community, offering prayers, wisdom, compassion, and support to anyone in need.

Susan was full of life, with a laugh that could fill any room. She loved to sing, dance, play the tambourine, write poems, and she carried a spirit that spoke plainly and truthfully.

Late Tuesday night, on September 1, 2026, Pastor Susan Hunt-Smith transitioned peacefully into glory, surrounded by her loving children and in-law, Shirley Cooper.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Frazier Hunt; father, Elvin Hunt Sr.; brother, Elvin Hunt Jr.; sister, Jo Anne Payne; her infant brother; husband, Leon “Iceburg Slim” Smith; ex-husband, Bobby Louis Taplin Sr.; in-law, Edward Reed Jr.; and infant grandson, Tayden Bonner. 

She leaves to cherish her legacy: Daughters: Barbara Simmons (Ira), Dinita Bonner (Tyrone), Janae Foster Sons: Bobby Taplin Jr. (Rosalind), Brian Taplin (Marie), JaMario Smith, Jarvis Smith Grandchildren: Kenyatte Taplin, Jameysha Demery, Jaimee Demery, Landon Simmons, Tyriona Bonner, Timya Robinson, Tyrone Bonner Jr., Tyavia Bonner, DaMarion Bonner, Bobby Taplin III, Brandon Taplin, Breonna Overstreet, Amaya Smith, Anajah, Devoria, Dekeria, Demorrious, Treveon Fue, Great-Grandchildren: Lester Johnson, Jaliyaha Thomas, Jahlil Thomas Siblings: Rebecca Reed, Melba Fields (Melvin), Brenda Rodgers (Floyd) Adopted Little Sister: Rochelle Pearson Bonus Children: Andrew Penny, Erica Jones Uncle: Rev. Jesse Frazier (“Last Man Standing”) Aunt: Shirley Frazier Along with a host of other relatives, church family, and friends who will forever carry her love, wisdom, laughter, strength, and faith in their hearts. Pastor Susan Hunt-Smith lived a life that exemplified service, devotion, and compassion. She was a mother. She was a grandmother/great grandmother. She was a nurse. She was a pastor. She was a friend. She was a servant of God. She was a pillar. And she was deeply loved. Though her earthly journey has ended, the love she gave, the prayers she prayed, and the lives she touched will continue to shine through all who carry her memory. 

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

- 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

The Sacred Farewell for Susan will commence on Friday, September 18, 2026 at The Eleventh Hour in the most holy sanctuary of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma where Pastor McKinley Rice is the gracious host and Pastor Jesse Frazier will render the eulogy.

You may visit Ms. Smith, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home in The Chapel of Peace of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors Inc., of Okmulgee on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

The Christian Committal will immediately follow the services in the Okmulgee Cemetery.