Avis Smaw

Avis C. Levey Smaw, affectionately known as Tootie, born December 10, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio to Eldridge and Gladys Levey, made her transition on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the Toledo Hospital. Avis was a graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School. She attended the University of Toledo from the early age of 16 as a private protégé under training of the Universities’ Music Education staff. Her formal education in Music over the years inspired her to seek a career in the Music and Recording Ministry. Many of her accomplishments in the field of music and performance have taken her abroad and across major stages in America, performing with many of today’s Gospel Greats! As a young woman, Avis was called to preach the Word of God. She had the gifts of Word of Knowledge, Laying on of hands and Healing as well as being a Speaker Par Excellence. Avis has shared her ministry throughout Ohio and Michigan and the Lord broadened it to include various other states. She was employed as a Transportation Specialist for Toledo Head Start and Toledo Public Schools. In addition to her secular career she traveled extensively singing with the renowned Gospel Group, The Prodigals, which was her love and passion for over 25 years. Avis leaves to cherish her memory, son, Julius(Isha) Darrington , daughter, Jazzalyn Smaw; granddaughters, Justice and Jaya Darrington; God Son, Jerry Michael Clark; Parents, (Pastor) Eldridge and Gladys Levey; sisters, Vernetta J. Clarke and Belinda C. Pope; nephews, Jerry(Lisa) Clarke Jr. , Calvin Frazier Jr.; nieces, Sharee, Robin, and Mechelle Clarke and Tamara (Michael) Taylor; Taylor and Destiny Whisenhunt; special friends, Virginia Gleghorn, Cheryl Rucker, Mark Williams, Youseff Woods, Larry Talbert and the entire Bethel Apostolic Church family, many other cousins, relatives and special friends. Visitation will be 4-6p.m. Friday followed by wake service from 6-8p.m. with musical concert at 7p.m. at Bethel Apostolic Temple Pastor Eldridge Levey, Pastor. Funeral service 10a.m. Saturday at Mt. Pilgrim Church Rev. Raymond C. Bishop Jr., pastor, Rev. Nolan White of Christian Community Church officiant,Bishop Rufus Sanders, of Emmanuel Temple Sandusky, OH, Eulogist. Burial Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Inc. ww.dalefh.com Donations may be made to the Avis C. Smaw Music Scholarship Fund 2216 Rosedale Toledo, Ohio 43606 in care of Bethel Apostolic Temple