Myra Smiley

 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."- Psalm 23:4.

The Phenomenal Myra P. Smiley, 83, of Eutawville, South Carolina, transitioned peacefully and gloriously on November 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Born on September 9, 1942, Myra was the seventh of thirteen children born to the late Hamp and Mamie Pooser, Sr. She was known throughout her life for her profound compassion, unwavering generosity, and abiding love for others. Whether offering a helping hand, speaking a word of encouragement, uplifting others with her humor, or testifying about the goodness of the Lord, she embraced every opportunity to serve with grace and sincerity.

Myra’s life story was a testament to faith, resilience, and divine purpose. In 1978, after falling gravely ill and receiving a terminal prognosis, she was told she would not live beyond the year. But God had the final say. When the Lord reversed the doctor’s report, He transformed not only her health but the trajectory of her entire life. Myra surrendered her heart to Christ and vowed to serve Him faithfully for the rest of her days, a vow she honored with steadfast devotion.

She first became a member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. W. Wine, where she served on the Junior Choir before relocating to Jersey City, New Jersey, in her teenage years to help care for her nieces and nephews. While in New Jersey, she became a dedicated member of Jersey City Deliverance under the Apostolic leadership of Apostle Eugene Stackhouse, serving as a missionary, choir member, and as part of their very own, beloved gospel group, The Heavenly Wonders.

After returning home in 1993, she joined Holy Deliverance Center under the leadership of the late Reverend Hinson Pooser, Sr., where she remained a faithful member until the Lord called her for her final ride home.

Myra was united in holy matrimony to the late William Smiley, Sr., and their union endured until his passing.

She was employed by Laidlaw Bus Company, where she served diligently as a school bus driver for many years. This calling perfectly aligned with her spirited love for driving. She was known to say she could “jump on the highway and shake, rattle, and roll,” and she meant it. A natural behind the wheel, she drove with the confidence and precision of a professional. She made countless trips between South Carolina and New Jersey, and her passion for the road allowed her to teach many of her children and grandchildren how to drive. She lived by her famous phrase: “Driving ain’t but something to do, and I-95 was made for you to ride 85 to 90 miles per hour!”

Beyond her skill on the road, Myra was a gifted cook whose sweet and savory dishes were cherished by all who tasted them. Holidays and family gatherings came alive under her decorative touch and culinary mastery. She was also a meticulous homemaker, known for her cleanliness, order, and pride in caring for her surroundings.

Above all, Myra loved the Lord with her whole heart. She maintained a devoted prayer life, kept her Bible always within reach, and carried a song of praise in her spirit. She instilled these values in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, teaching them through both word and example to honor God in all things. Her love was deep, her care was sincere, and her selflessness was unmatched.

Myra was preceded in death by her son, Moses Lacue, and eight siblings: Danny Pooser, Minnie Lee Dixon, Willis Pooser, Mamie Lee Pooser, Hinson Pooser, Sr., Maggie Jamison, Constance Brown, and Carl Bee Pooser.

She leaves to cherish her memory four sons: Derrick Lacue of Kingstree, SC; Mubaarak (Kateesha) Abdullah Roselle, NJ; Mark (Shelly) Lacue of Rahway, NJ; and Brian (Lakeisha) Lacue of Jersey City, NJ; three daughters: Julia (Elijah) Lee of Summerville, SC; Renae (David) Ellis of the home; and Myrna Smiley of Greensboro, NC. She also leaves three special children whom she raised as her own: Marsett Goodwin, Denise Walker, and Shante Tucker, all of Jersey City, NJ.

She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Jackie, Dayshawn, Asia, Amy, Quameel, Brandon, Moses, David, Bryan, Rhayna, Mya, Duwyne, Detrick, Donovan, Dyneisha, Xavier, Kaleesha, Jamal, Keanna, and Brooklyn; twenty-three great-grandchildren Ziyoun, Jamijae, Zy’mir, Makiyah, Michael, Kaydyn, Angel, Khayden, Kaitlynn, Ivyana, Micai, Hasan, Messiah, Noah, Kennedi, Juelz, JaiCeon, Harmoni, Ryann, Khyair, Sayori, Kemoni, Sevyn, Ahlana, and Zanye; four siblings: Hamp (Hattie) Pooser, Jr., Janie Mae Ladson, Margie Tilly, and Queen Nell Jenkins; one brother-in-law, Joe Smiley; one sister-in-law, Janie Mae Pooser; six godchildren: Lloyd Holmes, Rosette Edmonds, Courtney Asbury, Jennifer De La Cruz, Tymell Grant, and Madison Funderberg; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

Her legacy of faith, love, generosity, and devotion will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched. Truly, she loved like no other.

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