VIDALIA – Services for Andrew James “A.J.” Smith, 89, of Vidalia, who died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, in Vidalia, with the Rev. James Washington officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Archie C. Curtis Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the church.

Deacon Smith was born April 9, 1918, in Wilkinson County, the son of Andrew and Lula Smith. He was the youngest of 11 siblings. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Smith was a long time member of the Mason’s Pride of Vidalia No. 106. He was also a deacon at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; his wife, Sarah Williams Smith; and son, Samuel Smith.

Survivors include his children, Beatrice Marshall of Hopewell, Va., Sarah Jones and husband, Albert, both of Vidalia, Willie Mae Basley of Ferriday, Andrew Smith and wife, Cynthia, both of Lake Charles, La., Archie Smith and wife, Mattie Mae, both of Dillon, S.C., Larry Smith and wife, Rolando, both of Waynesboro, Va. and Sam Baker and wife, Mary, both of Destrehan, La.; 26 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; and a favorite nephew, Samuel Jenkins of Vidalia.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Mason’s Pride of Vidalia No. 106.