Gloria Stamps-Smith

Board: Christian Education

Position:  Chair

Email: Glostamps2@comcast.net

My Faith Journey

As a child in Mississippi, church was an integral part of my life. My parents made it clear that our faith and trust in the Lord would be what would sustaine us through whatever came our way. I sang in the church in the choir and with my sisters in a quartet for many years around the State and outside the State. I loved to read and the bible was one of the books that was available. As a young adult, I found a church that appealed to my needs and never strayed away. Church has always the place where I felt at peace and loved. I was baptized at a young age and remember it vividly. It was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Lord.

Family

I am the middle child of five; three sisters and one brother. We were and still are a very tight knit group of siblings. I talked to my mother and sisters pretty much every day. I am married to Deacon Troy Smith. We have two amazing daughters, Kiah and Kirstyn. Kiah is married to Rashad Whitmore and they have blessed us with the love of our life, our grandson, Elijah. And our youngest is Kirstyn who lives and works in Atlanta. Our children have shown us that our love for the Lord and our commitment to family, faith and community was not unnoticed. They both have strong faith and commitment to your church and volunteer and mentor others in their faith walk.

Favorite Bible Verse

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine hear, And lean not on your own understanding;

Whenever, I am unsure about a path or direction I have taken or might take, I recall this verse and ask the Lord to guide me in the way He would have me to go and I let go and allow His mercies to work it out.

Hobbies

I am an avid reader and am generally reading several books at once.  I also can be found with my hands in dirt and planting or fooling in my flower garden as soon as the threat of frost is lifted. I also love to cook and entertain family and friends. Decorating my home with art and pieces that provide me joy. And collecting African American Santa’s. I have well over a hundred of all sizes that I have collected for more than thirty years.