The Passing of William "Smitty" Smith

Here are the final arrangements for memorial services for William "Smitty" Smith:

Greetings family,

This email is to inform you of the funeral service for William "Smitty" Smith, husband of Frances Smith, father of Guy Smith, and Gay Smith Pike. Frances has included detailed information below about Smitty's funeral arrangements at Arlington National Cemetery.  Smitty served his country well and this is quite an honor, and Frances would like you to be a part of it.

Please read the information carefully because there is a process if you would like to attend in person. If you are interested in a video copy of the ceremony, please email me at jmcelestin5@gmail.com.  If a family member is not listed here, please pass on. 

Peace,love, and blessing,

Jenine Celestin 

Smitty’s wish to be laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, is now a reality.  The date set for Smitty’s services is February 24th at 11:00 am.  Arlington representatives recommend all attendees on-site by 10:15 am. Parking is available near the chapel and later near the burial site.  Funeral services at Arlington are unique in some respects, especially with regard to certain aspects of programming and access.  An invaluable overview is available, and you may view a video commentary on Arlington funerals at www.arlingtoncemetery.mil  if you have any questions or concerns. The services will be in the Old Post Chapel, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.  You must enter Joint Base Myer using the Hatfield gate. The address for Google Maps is JBM-HH Hatfield Gate.  Attendance at the Chapel service is limited to forty.  The Cemetery authorities require all attendees to be fully vaccinated, wear masks, have a portrait picture pass, and arrive at the Chapel not later than 10:15 am on the assigned date.  Please respond to this email if you wish to attend. The services will start on time, and no one will be admitted late.  To avoid extended processing at the gate, those attending are urged to obtain their pass by registering online.  You may do so at https://pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh.   Attendees with military or government IDs are not required to have a pass. Everyone else must have this pass, and it will afford easy and smooth access to the chapel service.  It is recommended that registration occur at least 10 days prior to the service date and obtain a printed copy.  Persons trying to print a copy after this time may have difficulty and may not be able to print a pass.  In view of the attendance limitation, Francis asks all who wish to attend the service to obtain a pass and respond to the sending point person with a return email prior to February 14th.  She also asked each attendee to bring return address labels to be used in lieu of signing the guest registry to save time and to write a phone number to receive a text notice message. Those wishing to express heartfelt wishes in the register book are welcomed.   Special arrangements have been secured for the entire service to be professionally recorded, highlighting all significant sites, honors, customs, and traditions. This video will be available for viewing soon after the service and available to those requesting this option. You may view this video at your convenience for a designated time period.  Please provide an email address to access the link with the video.  You will receive a text message first to trigger an email notification of specific details. 

From the family- "The Smith Family is sincerely grateful to all who have enriched our lives and shared memories along our life's journey.  We treasure every prayer and kindness.  Your presence has colored the rainbows of our blessings, and we are forever thankful for God's Blessed Assurance. "

🙏🏽 Thank you.