Alva P. “Pate” Smith, 75, educator and philanthropist, of Los Angeles, CA, formerly of Chicago, IL, beloved wife of the late Joseph C. Smith for 38 years; loving sister of Joseph “J.P.” (Leola) Taylor of St. Louis, MO, and the late William D. (Ethel) Harper of Suffolk, VA; kind sister-in-law of the late Norwood (Ana) Smith Sr. of Chicago, IL; loving cousin of Catherine G. (Alphonso) Spann of Chicago, IL, and the late Marian (W. Frank) Conners and the late William C. (Lillian) Carter Jr. of St. Louis, MO; cherished friend of Bettie and Sylvester “Ben” Taylor of Los Angeles, CA; adored Godmother of 18. Services were held Saturday, January 6th, 2001 in Los Angeles. Memorials to Project Spirit in Alva’s memory, c/o First New Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 1555 W. 108th St., Los Angeles, CA 90047 would be appreciated.
