Earline Jenkins Smith, 83, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023 in Tonawanda, NY.  Born in Talladega, AL, she was the daughter of the late Perry W. and Ethel (Chapman) Vincent Jenkins.

Earline was raised in Alabama and graduated from Robert Russa Moton High School in Sycamore, AL.  In 1959, she moved to Niagara Falls, NY, where she met and married Nathaniel Smith on April 15, 1961.  Mr. Smith predeceased her on June 24, 1992.

An avid writer and poet, Earline's love of poetry began as a child, and she attended several creative writing classes at Niagara County Community College.  Earline penned many original plays, including The Christmas Play (1970), Decision (1975), The Wedding Party (1994), Do You Know Him (1996), The Pumpkin Patch (1996), and The Gossiping Church Folk (2006), just to name a few.  She also starred in the 2001 movie "The Rev." in which she played the lead choir member, singing and performing in Toronto, Canada.  Earline was employed as a certified aide at the former Deveaux Manor and Mt. St. Mary's Hospital for 15 years prior to her retirement in the mid-1980s.

Earline's faith was central in her life.  She was a founding member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as the Chair of the Deaconess Board, was a member of the Youth and Young Adult Choir, the Chair of the Annual Black History Program, former member of the Board of Christian Education, and the volunteer for the Food Bank.  She also volunteered with the Niagara Falls Housing Authority and Oasis World Outreach Center, and took time to cook and run errands for local senior citizens and members of her church community.

In addition to her many talents and treasures, Earline loved to shop, sew, garden and spend time outdoors.  Her true passion was singing, performing, and writing.  Above all, "Mama" as she was affectionately known, loved her family and many of those she "adopted" and cared for.  Her home and heart were always open to anyone in need.

Earline is survived by her beloved children, Venetia (Tyrone) Alston, Byron (Michelle) Smith, and Angela Smith; her son in love Pernell Rogers;  her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin Smith, Knakitya Griffin, Nathaniel Smith, TiAndra Griffin, Terell (Kristen) Smith, Neshara Garrett, Victor Griffin, Jr., Vincent Griffin, Jayla (Taj'lik) Collins-Faison, Justin Griffin, Cameron Smith, and Neshiah Alston; her great grandchildren, Jenasys, Jada, Jordan, Seraea, Imani, Benjamin, Jr., Ava, Rynae,  Zoe, Calvin and Greyson; her great-great granddaughter, Aniyah; her siblings, Vera (Booker T.) Booker, Earnestine (late Lawrence) Henley, Maggie (Bobby) Welch, Claudine (Levi) Chatman, John (Mary) Jenkins, Levon 'Percy' (Cynthia) Jenkins, Margaret 'Greta' (Wallace) Barclay, and Kenneth (Deborah) Jenkins, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and special friends.  In addition to her husband of 31 years, she was sadly predeceased by her children, Crystal Griffin and Marcia Rogers, and her siblings, Dr. Willie C. Jenkins, Juanita (George) Jenkins Smith, and Marjorie Sue (James) Chapman.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 30 from 10 AM – 12 PM at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1334 Calumet Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, where Earline's Homegoing Services will begin at 12 PM.  Interment in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.