Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith, 88, of St. Helena Island, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Allen Funeral Home of Ridgeland.  We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Celebrating the Life of Rachel Smith

Time well-spent reflects a life well-lived. No empire lasts forever; no dynasty continues unbroken. Someday you and I will be mere legends. All that matters is whether we did what we could with the life that was given to us.

Rachel Smith, a proud mother, self-less grandmother, thoughtful sister, tender-hearted aunt, best friend turned greatest confidant, hardworking dedicated family supporter, a stylish and sassy neighbor, departed this life on December 16, 2020. 

On June 19, 1932, the world was blessed to receive a precious angel, Rachel Jenkins Smith, born to the late Verona Johnson Rivers and Joseph Jenkins in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Rachel made the most of 88 beautiful years. “Candymae”, as she was affectionately called, was young at heart beyond her years. Rachel was baptized at an early age and became a member of Brick Baptist Church. Later she joined Faith Memorial Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member and served on the Pastor’s Aid Committee, as President, assisted as a member of the Missionary Ministries, and obliged as a member of the Senior Choir.

Her wisdom was evident in all of her encouragement, patience, and spiritual guidance. Rachel believed, “The world was ours to explore,” and always reminded us to, “Go out there.” She pushed us to believe in ourselves, dream often, and be the best in all we do. Ms. Smith was an expert and authority at her daily chit-chat. Rachel received her formal education at Penn Normal, Industrial and Agricultural School on St. Helena Island.  In, 1959, she was joined in Holy matrimony to the late James Smith Sr.   

Rachel spent many years working in the healthcare field at Bayview Nursing Home and also as a private duty caregiver. Sister Smith is portrayed as a well out-spoken person, loving mother and grandmother, and dear friend to many.  She enjoyed attending church, doing word puzzles, she loved her flowers, keeping up with current events, as well as, being a member of was a member of South Pine Lady’s Union and the Golden Girls of Scott Center.   Candymae was known as the go-to person for personal problems because she was the voice for the voiceless.  She was known for her outgoing personality, soft heart and giving spirit.  She enjoyed holidays, spending time with her children, going on vacations, and let’s not forget her favorite baseball team, her Atlanta Braves.

Rachel was blessed to have wonderful children, grandchildren, and, great-grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally. On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, Rachel folded her earthly cart when she heard the Master’s call and went home to be with the Lord. She is truly loved and will be missed by her devoted family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her and experience her genuine love.

Rachel was preceded in death by her devoted parents; loving husband;  dear brother, Edward Jenkins; and beloved daughter, Karen Smith.

Rachel J. Smith leaves to cherish her loving memories: three sons Clarence (Cathy) Jenkins of Columbus GA; Leonard Newton and James (Katherine) Smith, both of St. Helena Island, SC; three daughters Doris (William) Johnson; Valerie (Ezekiel) Miller, and Cheryl Smith all of St. Helena Is, SC. One step-sister Edith Cunningham of Lauren, SC; two stepbrothers George Rivers of St. Helena Is, SC and Nathan Rivers of Boston, MA; Seventeen (17) grandchildren; Twenty-seven (27) great-grandchildren; three (3) god-children, Mary Sharon Boyd, Margie Simmons and Douglas Young, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends, including her caregivers from Pruitt’s Home Health, From the Heart, and House Calls Doctors.

Here at Allen Funeral Home, we care about your safety. We ask that everyone please follow ALL of DHEC guidelines in regard to COVID-19.

Please actively practice social distancing (6-feet apart) and wear your mask at ALL times during the services that Allen Funeral Home provides.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rachel Smith, please visit our floral store.