Former Fleetwood-Jourdain Director 'Ms. Mamie' Dies at 59

Mamie Lee Smith-Faust was born in Ypsilanti, MI, on February 27, 1953, to Leroy Smith and Cora Bell Long.

Mamie Lee Smith-Faust served as the director of Fleetwood-Jourdain from July 1984 to June 2008, shortly after her arrival she became known to all as Ms. Mamie. It was under Ms. Mamie's stewardship that Fleetwood-Jourdain was transformed into the vital, dynamic, well run community center that we have all come to expect and appreciate. During her tenure at Fleetwood she was an outspoken advocate for community redevelopment and minority rights.

Ms. Mamie modeled community activism by being engaged as a life member of the NAACP, an executive member for the League of Women Voters, a member of the Evanston West-Side Citizens District Council, a member of Be-Hiv/AIDS Outreach Organization, a member of the Foster Reading Center, the Founder of the Fleetwood-Jourdain Art Guild, a member of the City of Evanston Arts and Affirmative Action Committee, an advocate for FAAM (Fellowship of Afro- American Men), a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and a member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ.

Ms. Mamie's contributions to the Community have been recognized over the years with honors coming from organizations such as: the VFW William B. Snell Post #1876, The Chessman's Club, Evanston NAACP, Evanston Recreation Department, First Church of God in Christ, Ebenezer AME Church, Evanston Council of Elders, the Detroit Board of Education and FAAM (Fellowship of Afro-American Men).

However, even with all these honors and accolades Ms. Mamie is best acknowledged as being a friend...

A mother-friend for all those children who needed a mother's touch, or scold; who may have needed a mother's care, concern and love.

A mentor-friend, for all those who needed someone to help them find their way. To encourage them to strive to achieve. To expect from themselves more than they could ever dream.

A teacher-friend, sharing the vast wealth and breadth of her knowledge.

A sister-friend, one of those rare wonderful people that when you meet them, you think you have known them all your life.

Ms. Mamie is survived by...her devoted husband Gordon, daughter Tiffaney, step-sons Marcus Jackson and Curtis Brewer, a trio of grandsons...Christian, Camren and Carson, sisters...Shirley White, Golatus White and Pamela Smith, brother Leroy Smith,and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services Friday, November 9, 2012 at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ led by Bishop Carlis L. Moody, 1932 Bishop Carlis L. Moody Avenue (Dewey Avenue), Evanston, IL 60201. Omega Omega Ceremony 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church.

The Repast will take place at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center 1655 Foster Street, Evanston, IL 60201 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kellogg Cancer Care Center, c/o NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation, 1033 University Place, Suite 450, Evanston, IL 60201-9928.

Editor's Note: This obituary was provided by Donnellan Family Funeral Home. You can read more local obituaries on our obituaries page.