Coronavirus claims at least 7 more veteran pastors, leaving churches to celebrate Easter in mourning
Pastor and former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Detective Carl Smith died from COVID-19 Thursday, the St. Louis Police Officers Association said. The post said his wife Geraldine is also in the hospital with COVID-19. Smith was a pastor at New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church. He was also a lead mediator at St. Louis Gun Violence De-Escalation Centers.
"He fought a good fight and he finished the race!" a post from his family on Facebook said. "We rejoice in knowing that he lived a God led life and we know God makes no mistakes!"
Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police, called Smith a mentor in a statement on Facebook and said his death was a great loss to the city.
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"Lost a friend, mentor, a man of God, and someone who has always been there for me and many others to COVID-19 today," Taylor said in a Facebook post. "I am so glad I was one of those he prayed for and called a friend. I am praying for his wife, children, and extended family. His passing is a loss to our city. So many of us borrowed strength from him, placing our burdens on his shoulders."
