• Daystar University
• 10 Nov, 2023

Compiled by Jean Murungi

Mrs. Faye Gladys Smith, the wife of Prof. Don Smith peacefully transited to glory on Friday 6th October 2023, and was laid to rest on 14th October at Daystar University Heroes’ Corner.

As the Co-founder of Daystar University, Faye symbolized the importance of living a life of faith and finishing well. She touched the lives of many in her quiet but purposeful manner, with loving care and music.

Faye was the loving wife and ministry partner to Prof. Donald K. Smith since 25th June 1950. She was mother to Dr. D. Vance Smith and Dr. Julisa Rowe, mother-in-Law to Lucia Smith and Bill Rowe, a faculty member at Daystar University, grandmother to Olivia Smith, Kendall Rowe and Nathaniel Rowe.

At the Memorial Service which was held at Daystar University, Nairobi Campus Auditorium on Wednesday 11th October 2023, and later during the burial service, people eulogized Mama Smith as a lover of Music and a sweet spirited Mama who touched numerous lives, and totally sold out to Christ and music.

Members of Nairobi Baptist Church choir, some of whom were trained by Mama Faye were there to usher their mentor to glory with sweet melodies.

Prof. Don Smith eulogized his wife as completely faithful, totally honest, always wanting the best for others. “I grief for her but I rejoice because I know where she is,” said Prof. Don Smith, as he narrated how they partnered in ministry since the time they landed in South Africa in 1952, then Zimbabwe, and later in Kenya.

The Vice-chancellor, Prof. Laban P. Ayiro eulogized Mama Faye as sweet, kind, loving and serving. Prof. Ayiro noted that the Smiths were not focused on flaunting what they had done; rather, they served with humility and in silence.

“Faye and Don’s lives have taught me that there’s a difference between self-righteous service and true service,” he said, adding that the Smiths rendered service to anyone who needed it. He noted that to them, serving was a lifestyle and a gift.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. D. Vance Smith appreciated Daystar University management and community, and in particular the Vice-chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro for taking care of their parents. He also appreciated the staff who tirelessly and lovingly took care of their mother while she was ailing. “Mum encouraged us to live like Kenyans and not like Americans,” he revealed. “I think mum loved us, with the same methodical structure of music. She listened to us keenly with the same discernment with which she listened to her music,” he added.

The daughter, Dr. Julisa Rowe, also had this to say: “I mourn my mother for the wonderful example she has been to us.”

In his sermon, Rev. Sam Ithiga of Mamlaka Hill Chapel and pastor for the Rowe family challenged the mourners to be prepared for their departure from this world, and to live with the end in mind, noting that there are two ways to die: either in sin or die in the Lord. He noted that Prof. and Mrs. Smith wanted the light to shine so that people do not die in their sins.

On his part, Rev. Pinto Kali of Nairobi Baptist Church, Kitengela branch encouraged the mourners to live ordinary lives that are available for God’s use, like Mary and Joseph did - what he called living a “Faye life” - fully yielded to God and adaptable to His purpose.”

Other eulogies

Mama Faye Smith was eulogized by many as sweet, humble, totally sold out to Christ, music and missions. Everyone who interacted with Faye had great memories of how she touched their lives with music and love:

• “What I remember most was Faye’s smile and tenacity, even in moments of stress and challenges” - Dr. Mutheu Talitwala, wife to the Founding Vice-chancellor.

• “I am always inspired by how the Smiths made the decision to come to Africa in 1952 and the way they set the tone for Daystar University” - Prof. Godfrey Nguru, the Second Daystar University Vice- chancellor.

• Referring to Prof Smith’s marriage proposal when he asked Faye: ‘Will you go to the mission field with me?’ “I look forward to many more proposals like this, which emphasize God’s purpose “- Company Board Chairman, Rev. Dr. Matthews Mwalw’a.

• “Faye always attended our music events with the students. She was such an encouragement because in those days, we were really struggling to keep the music programme alive. Rest well Faye Smith” – Prof. Wandia Njoya.

• Faye has served the Lord sacrificially in her life. She has kept her faith. May the Lord give peace that surpasses human understanding to Prof. Smith and the family - Jeniffer Kinoti, Finance Department.

• Faye positively impacted Daystar’s staff and students with whom she interacted. Rev. 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write

this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them - Director, DLPDI, Abraham K. Waithima.

• I have had the privilege of being hosted by Faye and Prof. Smith in their beautiful home in Athi River, in addition to the numerous times when we met in Daystar events. I saw a woman who served God genuinely through service to people and the greatest support to her husband & Daystar. I saw humility and kindness. I experienced her generosity and hospitality. Mom, you impacted thousands of us. We can only promise to try to be an eighth of you. May God put in our hearts what He had put in yours. May God prosper your family with abundance of life because you lived well. May God keep your family for many more years. May God give Prof. Don Smith long and healthy life and many generations to come. May we all be encouraged to live a life of service to people and God. Fare thee well our matriarch

–Ms. Rose Mwaura, DUAA Chairperson.

• A symbol of her silent but powerful sweetness. Never to be forgotten, always to be cherished. Faye is in the sweetest place, in Christ’s loving arms. A place even sweeter than her memorable chocolate fudge cake! She has run the race, she has finished well and has won the prize - Mr. Mwaniki Mageria, Founding Chair, Daystar University Alumni Association (DUAA).

• The part that you played in the Daystar journey will be etched in our memory for good, not least, on a personal level, the joint session you shared with Prof Smith during the faculty training on Integration of Faith and Learning - N.T. Othello Gruduah.

• Faye was a pillar for Smith, and I admired that. I am a second generation Daystarian because my parents went through Daystar. I honour the Smiths just like my parents do, and as students we recognize the Smiths’ sacrifice,” - Former DUSA President and Alumni Johnstone Mutua.

On and on the tributes went, but space fails us to accommodate all.