Marcella Jean (Smith) Raynor

Marcella Jean Smith Raynor, the third child of the late Deacon Moncy P. Smith Jr. and the late Deaconess Marion Lewis Smith, was born Wednesday, August 27, 1952. Known as Marti by family and friends, Marcella graduated from John Harris High School, Class of 1970. She furthered her education at the Lear Siegler Institute in Silver Spring, MD, and the University of Maryland completing three years of study. Having accepted Christ as her Personal Savior at an early age at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Harrisburg, PA, Marcella served with the Sanctuary Choir and the Pulpit Guild Ministries. She remained a faithful member there for thirty-one and one-half years. Marcella continued her Christian walk at New Hope Living Baptist Church, Steelton, PA, serving with the Sanctuary Choir Ministry and as Chairwoman of the Rev. Dr. Scott White Memorial Day Parade for five years. Lastly, Marcella united in Christian fellowship with The First Baptist Church of Steelton where she served with the Missionary Ministry. Marcella was also an honorary member of At the Cross C.O.G.I.C. Marcella was united in holy matrimony with Marcus Lydelle Raynor of Houston, TX. She retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, and was a paralegal for numerous attorneys. Her professional and community affiliations included former member of the American Business Women’s Association, former member of American Hope Corporation, Advocate for Prisoners and Inmate Rights, Cyrenus Temple #61, Steelton, PA, and Esther Chapter #1, Heroines of Jericho, Order of the Eastern Star. During her lifetime, Marcella acquired many friends and met many people she loved as family. At times when her earthly journey got tough and the mountains were hard to climb, she held onto her faith in Almighty God. Sometimes the deaths of loved ones pierced her heart, but she held on. There were times her pillow was flooded with tears, but she held on. She loved the Lord with all her heart and often said, “There’s a time and a season for everything.” God placed special people in her life to encourage her, love her and sometimes give her a much-needed hug. On Sunday, April 14, 2024, while at her Harrisburg residence surrounded by her loved ones, the bell tolled for Marcella Jean Smith Raynor as she quietly answered the call of her Almighty Father. Marcella was richly blessed with one son, Christian Daniel Smith (Deceased); one loving daughter, Chinia Orinda Plant (Dezmond); adopted daughters, Tikki Holden Finley and Marilyn Hall McIntyre; three loving brothers, Moncy III (Deceased), Gayland James (Vicki) and Cameron Smith (Deceased); sisters, Lillian Smith Richardson (Deceased) and loving sister, Linda Smith Bennett; additional sisters, Alice Turner Dorsey, Darlene Crummel Manning (Deceased), Shirl Crummel, Rosemary Bolen Payne, Carmella Bolen (Deceased), Portia Bolen Geter, Rev. Dr. Paula Jackson; and her devoted love and forever friend, Henderson E. Hall. Marcella also leaves her love to her grandchildren, her precious babies whom she loved, adored and who were the joys of her life, Jaianà C. Plant, Jahmir D. Plant, Jasir C. Plant, Aniyah Taylor; and her great-grandson, Akelius Plant. Additionally, Marcella was blessed with loving aunts, Mary (Peggy) Dawson-Payne, Helen Sellers, Maude Selvey (Deceased), Alice C. Lewis (Deceased) and Suzanne Smith; great-aunt, Shynauna B. Gales (Deceased); godchildren, Jonathan and Jared Brooks, Narlashia Mitchell and Tonice Clark, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Marcella Jean (Smith) Raynor

August 27, 1952 - April 14, 2024