On September 11, 1932, a special daughter, Lee Ella Patterson was born to the late Bishop W. A. and Mary Louise Patterson.  At the tender age of 14, after being reared in a loving home with parents exemplifying holiness by precept and example, Mother Smith accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.  She was blessed to be the descendant of a heritage of dynamic gospel preachers, who paved the way for her spiritual growth.  On August 30, 1952, Mother Smith entered into holy matrimony with Bishop Samuel Smith and to this union were born two lovely daughters, Barbara Joyce Walker (William) and Cheryl Yvonne Hall (Leo).  She also has been blessed with three wonderful grandsons, Sam, Charlie and Lee.  Mother Smith faithfully serves as First Lady of South Side Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Samuel Smith.

Mother Smith graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1949 where she received a Diploma.  By furthering her education, Mother Smith studied to show herself approved and successfully received a BS Degree in Education from LeMoyne-Owen College in 1953.  She also attended the Memphis Theological Seminary from 1976-1977, where she received a M.A.R. Degree (Masters of Arts in Religion).  Her talents were not utilized in the church, but the secular world received spiritual guidance from her as a teacher in the Memphis City School system from 1953-1972.  She served as Dean of the Charles Harrison Mason Bible College from 1973-1981.

Mother Smith is well loved and respected in her local assembly, jurisdiction and the national church.  As a result, her many religious accomplishments; past and present, include Sunday School Teacher, YPWW Teacher and Chairlady, Minister of Music, director of Christian Education and Chairman of the Board of Examiners for both Headquarters and Tennessee Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions.  She faithfully served as Assistant Supervisor for the Department of Women, Tennessee Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction from 1988-1998.  Mother Smith was appointed Supervisor for the Department of Women, Tennessee Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in 1998.

In God's sovereignty, in the span of a lifetime, he permits ladies of special grandeur to positively impact many lives.  Mother Lee Ella Smith is one of those ladies who has dedicated her life to God's work and the salvation of lost souls.  She is a saved, spirit-filled, devoted woman of God, who has untiringly served her husband, family, community and church.  Her prominent reputation as an outstanding leader, spiritual teacher and wise counselor are significant of her stature as a virtuous woman.  God has truly smiled on the fruits of her labor and elevated her to the honorable position of Supervisor for the Department of Women, Tennessee Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.  To this honor, she would so graciously lift her voice and say, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY."