The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
Cheryl Smith (Surratt) was born on Sunday, September 28, 1958, to Bishop Thomas Jr. and Beatrice Smith in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cheryl dedicated her life to serving God at an early age and attends the Church of the Living God located at 1559 E. Reading St. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her dad, the late Bishop Thomas Smith, Jr. was her pastor and helped encourage her along with her mother, Beatrice Smith, to play the organ.
She has always had a passion for singing and music. In her earlier years while attending elementary school she began taking piano lessons then later as a teenager she started taking lessons to play the organ. After a while she realized her blessings and talents were to play the piano and organ from ear without any sheet music and to sing to the glory of God. Her dad always said God blessed him with a musician and singer to help him in the service of the Lord. At the precious age of 15, she began playing the organ and has continued to play the organ at the Church of the Living God until this day.
Cheryl has played for many weddings, funerals, at funeral homes and special services throughout the years. She had the opportunity to meet with the renowned Dr. Bobby Jones here in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was honored that he mentioned he would love to have her sing in his music group, the New Life Singers. She was also a member of the MLK City Wide Gospel Choir for years and is extremely honored to have played at the Church of the Living God now for 50 years as of 2023. Cheryl actively plays the organ every Sunday and enjoys every moment of it.
Cheryl states, “When you are blessed with a talent, continue to work while it is day”. Her favorite scripture is “For we walk by faith, not by sight” II Corinthians 5:7 KJV. God has never forsaken her, and he has kept her in his good graces to do his will in the service of the Lord. Cheryl takes this time to thank all the musicians that have helped pave a pathway to greatness and success for her. She would also like to thank her wonderful husband, Otis Surratt, Sr., who she has been married to for 42 years. Her children, Shernell Gary, husband Steven Gary, II. and son Lil Steven Gary, III., Otis Surratt, Jr., wife Irene Surratt and children Hector, Marie, Kyren & Lil Otis III, Surratt and Angela Surratt for their encouragement.
Cheryl would also like to thank her mother, mother-in-law, siblings and their spouses and families, her pastor, church family, friends and everyone that has helped encourage her over the years and even today. She wants to always remember her sister, Elvia Pittman, that has passed on to be with the Lord, as she has always encouraged her throughout the years. Cheryl loves each of you and would like to leave this bible verse with everyone, “23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 23:24. KJV. Amen, Amen!
