acquired Dennis Funeral Home in East Chicago, Indiana, on August 31, 1984. After a conversation with Reverend Dr. J.C. Wade Jr. and a dear friend, Edye Hughes, he decided to change the name to Divinity Funeral Home in the year 1987. SAMUEL SMITH JR. was born on June 2, 1957 in Gary, Indiana, to the late Samuel Sr. and Griselda Smith. During his childhood, Sam was afraid of death and dying, but as an adult, he decided to confront his fears head on. He wanted to be able to help people by comforting them during their difficult times and assuring them that the funeral process runs as smoothly as possible. Sam graduated from Bishop Noll Institute High School in 1975. After attending college at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, he decided to continue his education at Worsham College of Mortuary Science where he studied to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer. In 1998, he was elected to the Indiana State Senate. While in the Senate, he sat on various committees including Appointment and Claims, Elections and Civic affairs, Governmental Affairs and Judiciary, and Pension and Labor. Sam is a strong advocate of education, health care, Medicaid, and elderly rights. Sam is married to Diane Smith and is the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Emerald and Danielle. Sam and Diane are active community members in numerous social, civic, and professional organizations. They are members of The National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Indiana Funeral Directors Association, Lakeside Lodge #47 F&A.M. P.H.A., Magic City Consistory #62, Mahomet Temple #134, and the Zion Missionary Baptist Church of East Chicago.
