Glenda Lee Smith

On Sunday, May 11th, 2025, Rev. Glenda Smith, our beloved mom, grandma "mom-mom", great-grandma, sister, pastor, and friend, peacefully went home to be with the Lord. It feels especially meaningful that she left us on Mother's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating mothers, because Glenda was the heart and soul of our family.

She was born on June 7, 1943, to Pastor Robert "Bob" Forrester and Jean Forrester. She was the first born and had three amazing sisters, Jackie, Luli, and Ronnie.

Glenda was an incredible student and took pride in graduating from high school and college with straight A's; where she was also the valedictorian of her class in high school and college. While she was attending LIFE Bible College she met her future husband, James "Jim" Smith, at La Puente Foursquare Church - where her parents were assistant pastors at the time. This is where they found out they were both attending LIFE Bible College, to fulfill their calling as ordained ministers.

After graduation, Glenda Smith married the love of her life, Jim Smith. They built a life rooted in love and faith as pastors and a couple, and had four children: Darrell, Steve, Sherri, and Mark. Together, Rev. Jim & Glenda Smith were pastors of six Foursquare Gospel churches, for over 38 years, including pastoring in Poway, CA, Pendleton, OR, Salinas, CA, Santa Cruz, CA, Cottonwood, CA, before moving to Ridgecrest, CA in 1982.

Glenda lived a life filled with unshakable faith and grace. She always had compassion for others. She also believed in the power of prayer, the strength of family, and the beauty of everyday moments. Whether she was offering words of encouragement, comfort, or simply listening with her full heart, Glenda always made everyone feel cherished.

Throughout the years, Glenda and Jim always shared how much they loved the opportunity to be pastors of each church they served. They especially enjoyed being part of the Ridgecrest community, where they were pastors for over 18 years, and it meant a tremendous amount to them to share the gospel with everyone they met. Rev. Jim & Glenda Smith were married for over 48 years before Jim's passing on February 8, 2012.

Glenda is survived by her four children and their spouses: Darrell & Jodi, Steve & Wendy, Sherri & Ronnie, and Mark & Jennifer. She also leaves behind 24 beautiful grandchildren: Abbie, Alex, Alissa, Andrew, Betty, Christien, Clara, Cori, David, Emery, Garrett, Jacob, Jeremy, Jesse, Julianna, Katelyn, Makayla, Malachi, Mariah, Marissabel, Sebastian, Talia, Travis and Xavier; and seven great-grandchildren; Asher, Leana, Lincoln, Marlee, Sterling, Theodore and Zeke, and many nephews, and nieces, as well as many dear friends, who brought her endless joy, and who will carry her legacy forward with love and pride.

Service Details

There will be a public viewing held at Holland & Lyons Mortuary.

Holland & Lyons Mortuary
216 S Norma St, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Friday, June 20, 2025, from 5pm-7pm.

There will be a memorial service, a celebration of Glenda's life at Desert Christian Center.

Desert Christian Center
100 E Bataan Avenue
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Saturday, June 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Graveside service will immediately follow her memorial service at Desert Memorial Park.

Desert Memorial Park
801 San Bernardino Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555.

All who knew and loved Glenda are welcome to attend as we honor her life, her faith, and the love she gave so freely to others. Though she is no longer with us, Glenda's presence will forever remain in the love we share, the lessons she taught, and the many lives she touched. Her story is one of faith, family, and a quiet strength that carried us all.

We love you, Always and Forever, Mom!