There is an enduring tenderness in the love of a mother that transcends all other affections of the heart. Olevia Smith Forte, fondly called Momma Olevia by the family, was born to the parentage of Cora B. and Fred Smith on April 29, 1934 in DeKalb, Texas. She attended public school in DeKalb, Texas and united with St. Paul Baptist Church at an early age and was very faithful until her health failed her. She united in marriage to Fred Forte September 11, 1954. To this union, two sons were born.