Obituary of Amy Smith

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”

Amy Moseley-Smith exemplified the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31. A woman of faith, strong in character and wisdom—a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and source of inspiration for so many.

She was born on March 12, 1956, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late Rev. Emerson A. Moseley and Geneva Moseley. The middle child and the only girl in a family of boys, she grew up in Linden, New Jersey. She graduated from Linden High School in 1974 and went on to Nyack College, where she studied English language and literature.

“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and no harm, all the days of her life.”

It was while working at the Christian Publications Bookstore in New York City that Amy’s life was forever changed. There she met the love of her life, Richard Smith, who was smitten with her at first sight. Six short weeks after their first date, they were engaged and were married at Baptist Temple in Brooklyn on November 7, 1981. Exactly nine months and one week later, they welcomed their first child, Justin Michael, and eventually added five more children to their brood: Scott, Rachel, Jessica, Mark, and Deidre.

Amy embraced her role as a wife and partner in ministry. She was always by her husband’s side when they sang and ministered in jails, hospitals, and other venues with Richard Smith & Friends, and she supported him and as he served in various churches in New York and New Jersey. Amy and Richard were as perfect a match as one could ever be—two gifted, creative people who deeply loved the Lord and each other. They were soul mates and best friends who accepted each other unconditionally, gave themselves to each other completely, and protected each other fiercely. Indeed, Amy did her husband good and no harm, all the days of her life.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Smart, thoughtful, and inquisitive, Amy had a thirst for knowledge and eagerly shared what she learned with others. She loved Bible studies, retreats, and writer’s conferences. She had a sharp mind and was knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects. She was also kind, sensitive, and wise with an ability to relate to other people in a manner that signaled she understood what they were going through.

“She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. She makes a tapestry for herself. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.”

Skilled in the art of homemaking, Amy was a blessing to her children and extended family. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed crafting, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and making bags. She had eclectic taste in music, loved period films and good books, and was an avid reader, writer, and blogger. Active on social media, she touched the lives of countless people even when she was homebound and limited in her mobility.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Amy’s family was her pride and joy. In a humorous post on Facebook, she wrote, “I’m grateful for my five knuckleheads … who keep my life interesting—and keep me on my knees praying for God’s mercy.” Living the life lessons she taught, her children testify that she “never wavered” and was “steadfast and unmovable” in her faith. She once declared, “Wealth and status are meaningless to me,” and then quipped, “Whew—that works as I have neither!” But she was rich in all the ways that matter most. Memories of simple times together, holiday traditions, and annual trips to Long Beach Island are etched in the hearts of her children. Her husband speaks lovingly of her inner strength, quiet confidence, and dignity. He was her devoted caregiver and constant companion as she persevered through lymphedema, spinal stenosis, and other chronic health issues.

“Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

Amy transitioned to her eternal reward at Westchester Medical Center on January 2, 2024, four days after undergoing brain tumor surgery. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Rachel, and brother Reggie. She leaves to mourn her husband of 42 years, Richard; her children, Justin, Scott, Jessica, Mark, and Deidre; her grandchildren, Cameron, Tyler, Corey, and Charlotte; her brothers, Emerson, Frank, and Ivory; and a large extended family, including a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a legion of other relatives, friends, ministry partners, and admirers.

While we mourn the loss of this virtuous woman, we know that Amy fought the good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith. We are confident that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And thanks be to God for giving us the blessed assurance that our beloved Amy is safe in the arms of Jesus, with our Lord saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”