Our Neighbor: Elder Corey Smith Needs Our Help
What does it truly mean to be a good neighbor? Here in Lexington, the life of Elder Corey Smith defines it as something far deeper than mere proximity. It is a selfless devotion to community, a profound faith, and an unending willingness to serve, a calling he fulfills as both a native son of Lexington and a devoted Elder at Transformation Church.
At Davidson Local, we pride ourselves on caring deeply for our community. Our focus recently turned to Mr. Smith after learning he is battling a severe health crisis. The man who has spent his life giving to others is now fighting a battle against Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. This diagnosis has sadly left the loving husband and father of a beautiful family unable to work and provide.
A Legacy of Selfless Service
While I must admit I don't know Elder Corey Smith that well, the testimonies from his closest circles prove he is loved more than he may ever know. A close church family friend explained that Elder Smith would truly do all he could for anyone, even if it meant that he had to “give the shirt off of his back.”
His generosity is legendary. A fellow church member stated that Elder Smith would rather give from his heart, always grounding his actions in Godly advice. Beyond offering spiritual guidance, his benevolence extends to the practical and personal: friends recall times when he would step in to help others daily it was just Smith being who he was at heart and that was simply Smith’s way of always doing God’s will.
One of his family members also shares tales of his tireless, tangible service. A family member fondly remembers returning home from errands to find Corey at her former house, unprompted, diligently fixing things to help make her home comfortable. This dependability was constant; she even recounts times that Elder Smith would swiftly come get her from the side of the road when she was stranded. Corey is, quite simply, the kind of man you could always count on to show up.
The Fight for Life and Community
Elder Corey Smith and his wife, Terri Smith, now face an immense financial and medical burden. Multiple Myeloma is a condition that currently has no cure, though the immediate medical team is working toward a remission-type state. His body is enduring intense treatment, which includes receiving chemo, and the immediate goal is to get his kidney and liver functioning properly again, with the possibility of a stem cell transplant looming.
Smith’s health crisis has created a severe domino effect on his family and has deeply impacted our Lexington community. Here at Davidson Local, we feel a great deal of empathy for all people in our community, but learning what I have learned today about Elder Corey Smith made me want to become even more involved. I look at Mr. Smith's situation as if it could be me myself; this could be any of us men as fathers.
Elder Smith's church family at Transformation Church has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help the Smith family during this difficult time of need, encouraging the community to help him in any way possible. It is now our privilege to return the selfless devotion he has shown us for so many years. Transformation church also wants Elder Smith to know that he is missed among the church and that they love him and will be with him every step of the way.
Elder Smith, I have never met you, but I’m praying that God gives you the enduring strength to fight through this storm. The community is deeply impacted by your struggle, and you are more loved than you may ever know. We stand with you and Terri.
Get well soon. God Bless.
—Thomas Martin Sr.
