Obit of Smith, Jewel Luciel - Pittsburg County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 06 May 2007 Return to Pittsburg County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/pittsburg/pittsburg.htm ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::Universal Memorial Center FH--?? Smith, Jewel Luciel Jewel Luciel Smith, 85, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on October 26, 2006. Jewel Luciel Burch was born August 4, 1921 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Rankin B. Burch and Daisy Muck. Her father and siblings relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1940. On June 23, 1942 she married Cleveland Smith. Jewel became the first African-American register checker at Safeway in Phoenix. She attended Phoenix, College and later transferred to Arizona State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1959. She was employed with the Phoenix Elementary School District, where she served as a teacher at Bethune and Heard schools. Jewel accepted Christ in her life at an early age and united with First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ where her father served as an associate minister. She was an active member serving in several choirs including the Choraliers. Jewel also served as a dutiful trustee for several years under the pastorate of Rev. Robert Nesby. In 1983, Jewel retired from teaching, which allowed her to enjoy other interests such as bowling, dominoes and bridge. After 63 years of marriage, her loving husband Cleveland was called home in December 2005. She is survived by her sister-in- law, and a host of nieces and nephews. Jewel will be missed; however her memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who love her. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 30, 2006 from 4-7p.m. at Universal Memorial Center, 1100 E. Jefferson St., Phx, AZ. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 1p.m. at Universal Memorial Center, with a 1 hour visitation prior to service. Services entrusted to Universal Memorial Center. (602)252-6011 Published in The Arizona Republic from 10/30/2006 - 10/31/2006. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Pittsburg County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/pittsburg/pittsburg.htm