Obituary of Apostle Edward A. Smith

Reverend Edward A. Smith was called to serve as Pastor at Union Baptist Church in Vienna, Virginia from 1990 to 1996. Reverend Smith had a passion to fulfill the call on his life to receive and ordain women in the gospel ministry, heeding the word of the Lord that directs “In the last days, I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, and your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and you old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17.

While faithfully serving as Pastor at Union Baptist, Reverend Edward A. Smith began hearing the call of God, compelling him to pursue his vision to birth the ministry that God was calling him to oversee. 

On Sunday, June 3^rd, 2002 the vision that God gave him became a reality. Prepared Table Ministries for Christ was birthed and has continued for the past 18 years. Reverend Smith was consecrated by the late Apostle Joseph Ellis Taylor, Faith Fellowship Ministries International to Apostle, in 2012. Apostle Smith received a vision to fulfill his passion to unite Christian Churches. He founded UFOCC (United Foundation of Christian Churches) an autonomous organization whose central authority is Jesus Christ, to help strengthen and encourage churches to survive and continue spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Early in 2020, Apostle’s health began to fade, but his faith remained strong. He endured a short stay in Washington Hospital Center. When First Lady Pastor Virginia received news that Apostle’s condition was terminal, she instructed the hospital authories to bring her husband home to spend his last days surrounded by family and those who love him. Pastor Virginia faithfully and lovingly attended to her husband until his earthly departure.

Apostle Smith after coming home continued to remain earthly beyond the time perceived by medical authorities, confirming the word of God that reminds us that no man knows the day nor the hour when the Son of man appears, but this one thing we do know is that when He does appear, we shall be like Him. Even in sickness, Apostle never ceased to call upon the Name of the Lord, from his sickbed, he would sing praises unto the Lord. He remained faithful until the end. 

Apostle Edward A. Smith’s memory will continue to be cherished and forever live in our hearts. He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife, Pastor Virginia Carey Smith. Sons, Ricky Smith (proceeded him in death), Edward Smith Jr., Gerry Smith, Vincent Smith, and Sean Smith. Daughters, Shirley Woodfork, Joanne Gould, and Sharon Robinson (proceeded him in death), Lynn Smith-Norris. Beloved, Spiritual Son, Bishop Dr. Reginald L. S. Thompson (Pastor Deborah). One brother, Henry Smith (Gloria). Fifteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, (one proceeded him (Aaron) in death. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His entire Church Family of Prepared Table Ministries for Christ.