Octavia Smith

Sunrise: January n, 1926 - Sunset: November 23, 2023

Octavia Smith was born to Lula Morrison Moten and Victor Moten on January 11th, 1926 in Altheimer, Arkansas. As a young woman, Octavia moved to St Louis for a short time before finally landing in Chicago where she met and married Theocta (Theo) Smith. They married in 1965, and became new homeowners to 16619 Marshfield Ave., which was then a brand-new home in the newly developed neighborhood of Kingston Green (now known as Markham).

Octavia (along with husband Theo Smith) were permanent fixtures and pillars of the community in which they lived. Octavia was preceded in death by her husband, Theo Smith, but she continued to reside at her beloved home in Markham until her passing on November 23rd (Thanksgiving Day) at the blessed age of 97.

Octavia had an extreme love for children. For much of her life, she provided loving in-home childcare, to an unimaginable number of children throughout the neighborhood, and surrounding areas. Octavia was always willing to take in any child needing a lap, a hug, a bed, or a meal at any given time on any given day. She was also known for extending grace to single mothers, by offering discounted pricing so that they could afford to make a living wage and still be assured that their children were well taken care of and in good hands.

After over 50 years of dedicated childcare service, Octavia retired from the industry in 2013 to become a full-time fisherman. In her spare time, she enjoyed attending church, fishing (which is an understatement), cooking (another huge understatement), and gardening.

Octavia found her forever church home in 1988 at Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church of Markham, where she was an active member until her health started to decline. Even during her declining health, she still had monthly visits from the church for prayer and communion. Dedicating her life to spreading Gods word, Octavia was a lifelong member of the church's Missionary Society. Octavia exemplified Christian obedience by visiting the sick and shut-in, feeding the hungry, and mentoring the lost. She lived according to Gods word and was a TRUE ambassador for Christ.

Octavia is preceded in death by her mother (Lula Moten), Father (Victor Moten), Husband (Theo Smith), Sister (Celia Moten), three Brothers: (Richard Moten, Victor Moten Jr, and Vernell Moten) and grandson (Paris D. McDonald).

Octavia leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Gloria Fikes-Jelks (Paris McDonald), Valencia Covington (Danny), Armella Fikes, and Depriessa Fikes; Grandchildren: Shamari Baily, Earl Baily, and Anwon McDonald; Nine great-grandchildren: Dominique Fikes, Kyron Mcghee, Kyara Mcghee, Kyshaun

Mcghee, Marshaun Reed, John Jones, Janiyah Rice, Sharmaine Williams, and Courtney Phillips; three great-great grandchildren: CaasiJackson, Natalia Ealey, and Lelani Ealey.

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