IL HR1522

Rev. Dr. J.C. Smith passed away on October 12, 2016, and the Illinois House of Representatives mourns his death and extends condolences to his family and friends.

Rev. Smith was born July 8, 1930, in Porters, Alabama, served in the United States Army during the Korean War (1951-1953), and moved to Harvey, Illinois in 1963.

He participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1956 and was arrested alongside Ralph Abernathy, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement.

Rev. Smith founded Bethlehem Temple Missionary Baptist Church, served on the West Harvey School District #147 board for 40 years, and held leadership positions in the Progressive National Baptist Convention and other civic organizations.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years (Willie Mae), five children, multiple grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.