Annie Mae House Grant-Smith
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Annie Mae House was born on April 26, 1934 in Clarksdale Mississippi to the union of George Wiley House, Sr. and Annie Eliza Gregory House. She was later raised by adoptive parents Howard Gregory Sr. and Henrietta Barr Gregory, who all preceded her in death. On Thursday, July 30, 2020, Annie Mae transitioned from labor to Heavenly Reward.
Annie Mae confessed her love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend B.J. Underwood. Although she was afforded the opportunity to attend public school, she was still required to “pick cotton” at a very young age to help her parents who were sharecroppers on the Plantation that they lived on. As a young field laborer, she was known as a hard worker and would often boast about her own abilities to pick over two hundred pounds of cotton. Being a hard worker was a trait that she maintained throughout life and passed on to her children, and their children. No matter what circumstances she faced, her education remained a major life goal for her. One of her life landmarks was returning to Clarksdale, Mississippi years later to attend her school, McCloud’s 50th Class reunion.
As a young bride, she joined in holy matrimony to her childhood sweetheart and friend, George Allen Collins, Sr. Six children were born to their union: Billy Joe (Beechie); George Allen, Jr. (Bucky); Roosevelt (Bell), Eva Jo (Jo); Anthony Tyrone (Teedy), and Annie Laura (Laura). Being a stay home Mom for over ten years enabled her to shower her children with much love and affection. She was a devoted mother who cared deeply about the happiness and wellbeing of her children. She enjoyed being a mother and raised her children in the admonition of the Lord, instilling values and principles on how to trust God; be honest; work hard and live a good and productive life.
In 1964 Annie Mae transitioned to Omaha, Nebraska as a single parent and joined Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Z.W. Williams, where she served on the Usher Board and remained an active member for nearly 60 years until her health prevented her from doing so. She also started her career with one of the world’s largest Communications Conglomerate, American Telephone & Telegraph Corporation (AT&T)/Western Electric. She loved being a Career Woman, and remained employed until she retired with 29 years of service. Upon retirement she became a caregiver for her youngest son, Anthony “Teedy” when he became ill. She helped her son to overcome his discouragement regarding his disability and live a peaceful and independent life for over twenty years until the Lord called him home.
Grandma Annie loved and supported her grandchildren and great grandchildren with a passion. She always planned activities for them so that they could spend time together as they grew up. For nearly fifty years she sponsored Christmas Parties and gift exchanges; Easter Egg Hunts; 4th of July Picnics; Summer Vacations and Trips; Back to School Picnics with School Supplies giveaways. Purchased school clothes and provided monetary support for various school events and activities. She rarely asked for anything in return, other than the customary…. cutting the grass; running the weed eater; finish or starting a paint project; picking vegetables out of her garden; OR PULLING HAIRS OUT OF HER CHIN WITH A PAIR TWEEZERS!!!!! Other than that, she didn’t ask for much. LOL
Annie’s Tax Service Inc. was dream come true for Annie. Her journey in the tax business began when she worked part-time for H&R Block for 8 years and later venture into her own business, serving the Greater Omaha & Metropolitan Area for over fifty years. She inspired her son, Billy House to become a Tax Professional and open his business B&H Tax Service. As a Community Leader, she served as the President of the Bedford Place Neighborhood Association for several years.
Her life has been a success story. Proverbs 13:22 states, “A good man/woman leaves an inheritance to his/her children’s children. “The work that Annie has done has spoken well of her and her life here on earth. 2 Timothy 4: 7 states, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” Matthew 25:23, “His Master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. Come share your master’s happiness!”
Annie was proceeded in death by her Husband, Charles J. Smith; parents, George W. House, Sr. & Annie Eliza Gregory House; Howard Gregory Sr. & Henrietta Barr Gregory, Sons: Billy J. House, Roosevelt Collins & Anthony T. Collins, Brothers: William Gregory Sr., Bernard Scott, Darnell Gregory, Byron House, Eric House & Cousin, Johnny B. Gregory. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, George Collins (Doris), daughters, Eva Veland & Annie Hall (Rick), sisters: Bessie L. Peeples & Lovie A. Mickels, brothers: Steve House, George W. House, Jr., Howard Gregory Jr. & Rickey R. Gregory, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of family, friends, colleagues and her church family.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, August 15, 2020, 9:00 A.M. at Morning Star Baptist Church, 2019 Burdette St., Omaha, NE, VISITATION: Friday, August 14, 2020, 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Roeder Mortuary, 4932 Ames Ave, Omaha, NE. Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery.
