Mrs. Annie Smith-Pryor

Missionary Annie Jean Smith-Pryor was born on August 14, 1954, in Dooling, Georgia, to the late Edward James Smith and Georgia Maude Smith. At an early age, her family moved to South Bay in Palm Beach County before eventually settling in Gifford, Florida, where she spent the greater part of her life and built a legacy rooted in faith, family, service, and love. Annie attended school in Indian River County during the integration of the school system, first attending Gifford High School and later Vero Beach High School, where she was a member of the Class of 1974. She later continued her education at the then Mueller Center of Indian River Community College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. From an early age, Annie was known for her lively spirit, joyful personality, and deep devotion to those around her. Her sisters remembered her as energetic, playful, and full of life, always dancing, laughing, and keeping up with the latest steps. She loved children from a young age, and that love remained a defining part of her life. Annie dedicated most of her professional life to serving children and families, working through Turner’s Daycare, La Petite, several Head Start centers, and later with the Treasure Coast Girls Coalition. She was known for her kindness, generosity, servant’s heart, and love for cooking, baking, travel, and family. Annie was also a praying woman who offered encouragement, practical help, and support to those around her. Her daughter Cheryl described her as a caring, helpful, and praying woman who loved people deeply and never hesitated to serve others. A faithful woman of God, Annie loved the Lord and lived a life marked by praise, prayer, and service. She was saved at Davis Temple Church of God in Christ, where she grew in faith and became a devoted laborer in the ministry. At Davis Temple COGIC, she faithfully served as Choir President, usher, Sunday School teacher, and a dedicated worker in church fellowships, dinners, and ministry assignments. She also faithfully supported the Florida Eastern Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Right Reverend Bishop Jacob Cohen and traveled throughout the years to attend district ,jurisdictional, regional, and national Church of God in Christ gatherings, including UNAC, now known as AIM, Fifth Sunday meetings, and many other services and conventions. Annie loved to sing, loved to praise God, and was known as a true worshipper who could give God glory at the drop of a hat. It was at Davis Temple that she raised her daughters, Cheryl and Letisha, in the fear and admonition of the Lord. On September 7, 2003, she married Leonard Charles Pryor and lovingly embraced an extended family, including stepchildren Jacob Pryor, Renee Pryor-Muskin, Ruth Pryor, Charlene Pryor, Teri Hines, Tabitha Royal, and Quanessa Footman. After marrying Charles, she faithfully supported hm in ministry as he served as an Elder, including during his years at Peter Rock Apostolic Church. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Missionary Annie Jean Smith-Pryor gave God another “Yes, Lord,” and entered into eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward James Smith and Georgia Maude Smith; her brother, Frank Holmes; and her stepdaughter, Renee Pryor-Muskin. She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted husband, Leonard Charles Pryor; her loving daughters, Missionary Cheryl Dillard and Missionary Dr. Letisha Malcolm; her stepchildren, Jacob Pryor, Teri Hines, Tabitha Royal, Quanessa Footman, Ruth Pryor, and Charlene Pryor; her beloved grandchildren, Edward Dillard, Elijah Dillard, Amari Dillard, and Arianna Dillard, whom she loved dearly and spoiled tremendously; her brother, Edward Smith; her sisters, Mary Jo Smith-Carter and Sharon Renee Smith-Ealy; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends; and special loved ones including her favorite uncle, John Smith, and her cousins Darrell Smith and Kasey Smith, who were raised in the home by her parents as sons. Missionary Annie Jean Smith-Pryor lived a life of faith, compassion, service, and praise, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love

Mrs. Annie Smith-Pryor

August 14, 1954 - June 9, 2026