Minnie Lee Devose Pace was born on September 11, 1933, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Evans Pace and Carrie Devose. She was one of thirteen children.

In the early 1950s, Minnie moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she was united in marriage to Hence Smith, Jr., who preceded her in death.  She began her family and was blessed with four children: Alonzo Robinson Pace Jr.  Orlando Pace,  Barbara Wilson, and Dwayne Smith. She confessed her life to Christ at an early age and later graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in teaching. Minnie worked for the American Building Maintenance (ABM) for many years until her retirement. She loved spending time with her family, hosting barbeques and especially enjoyed the company of her sister, Annie Mae.

Minnie lived life to the fullest with her family.  She made sure that her family was well taken care of through love and loyalty. She took great pleasure in maintaining her garden, keeping a tidy house and spending her Sundays at church.  She was a wonderful cook and always prepared the best Sunday dinners for her loved ones, ensuring everyone had something to eat.  Some of her other pastimes were sewing and shopping.

Minnie was called home to be with the Lord while in the care of the Malachi House. Although we mourn the absence of her physical presence, we know she is in a far greater place. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Orlando and Pandora Pace, Barbara Wilson, and Dwayne Smith. and is survived by her two sisters, Sondra Smith and Edna Winstead.

Minnie was preceded in death by her son, Alonzo Robinson Pace Jr.; sisters: Annie Mae Cunningham, Ola Tolbert;  grandson, Ulysses Baker, Jr.; granddaughters, Sabrina Baker and Leona Wiley.

Her legacy continues through grandchildren: Tanika Wilson, Lewis Smith, Cierra Smith, Orlando Pace Jr., Safara Pace, Shuniva Wiley; great grandchildren: Raiquan Smith, Norman Wilson, Aakilah Wilson, Nyheem Wilson, Layla Lash, Lewis Smith Jr., Janae Smith, Alexis Smith, Micah Smith, Davota Smith, Xhariya Baker, Chazaray Hennessey, Romel Davis, Orlando Pace Martinez, Kayleigh Pace, Tristan Pace, De’ra Davis, King Davis, Darling Davis, Dwayne Williams, Shuniva Wiley, Shad Wiley, and Lashawn Wiley.