Coronavirus claims at least 7 more veteran pastors, leaving churches to celebrate Easter in mourning

By Leonardo Blair, Senior Reporter Friday, April 10, 2020

The late Carl Smith and his wife who is also battling the coronavirus. | Facebook

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.

"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."