Myrtis Lucille Powe, the daughter of Reverend Ras Jordan and Alice Evelyn Bailey Powe, was born on November 28, 1930 in Wiggins, Mississippi. She was the tenth of eleven born to this union. After the death of her mother in 1933, the family moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. As a teenager, Myrtis relocated to Lansing, Michigan to join other family members. She attended J.W. Sexton High School, where she met and later married Floyd Eaton. From this union two children were born, Mujahid aka Douglas and April. She later met and married Lewis Smith and was blessed with three additional children, Orlando, Adrian and Kristin. Raised in a strong faith-based family, Myrtis united with Collins Memorial A.M.E. Church, which is now Trinity A.M.E. Church. She was a member for over 50 years, until her death. She served in various roles in the church, including serving as church secretary, a member of the Gospel and Senior choirs, Sunday School Leader, Women's Missionary Society, and as was a Stewardess, until she became physically incapacitated. While raising her family, Myrtis worked for the City of Lansing Housing and Redevelopment as a Contract Manager, Human Resources, and as Director of Community Organizations and Equal Opportunity. She also participated in the development of the Impression Five Museum. She was a member of the NAACP, Lansing Business and Professional Association, and the Citizens Congress. Myrtis had a passion for living a full and active life. She was especially proud of attending the Democratic National Convention where Barak Obama was nominated to run for President. She demonstrated love by caring for others, including several members of her immediate and extended family. She showed her love for her family by doing special little things like preparing a favorite dish or providing whatever was needed. Myrtis, had her own unique way of communicating her wishes or giving advice that became legend in the family and continued up to the time of her death. Myrtis was preceded in death by: her daughter, Kristin Colbert; parents; brothers, Alfonso, James, Frank and Melvin Powe; sisters, Amanda Pigford, Anna Jackson, Clara Sneed, Ruth Andrews, Alice Dixon and Myrtle Powe. Surrounded by a circle of family, Myrtis was called home on April 20, 2015. She is survived by: her children, Mujahid (Eleanor) Abdul-Hameed, April (Kirk) Branson, Orlando (TeResa) Smith, and Adrian Smith; son-in-law, Lonnie Colbert; 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Smith will lie in repose Sunday, April 26, 2-4pm at the Riley Funeral Home, 426 West St. Joseph Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 27, 11am at the Trinity AME Church, 3500 West Holmes Road, Lansing, MI 48911. The family will receive visitor's 30 minutes before services begin. Memories and condolences can be shared at rileyfuneralhome.com.