Meet Our Founders

Clarence Smith is the founder and Executive Pastor of Favor Life Center (FLC) in San Jacinto, California. His theological journey began in 2003 when he was licensed to preach by Trinity Baptist Church in Moreno Valley, California, and he was ordained in 2005 by Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Assistant Pastor for twelve years. In 2016, he established FLC, which became a California nonprofit in 2020.  Pastor Smith holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Leadership, along with certifications in Substance Abuse Prevention and Crisis Intervention. His passion for human services blossomed while coordinating a resource center in San Bernardino from 2004 to 2006.  Married for 38 years, he and his wife have three adult children, seven grandchildren, and many adopted spiritual children, all of whom inspire his ministry. FLC aims to spread love, unity, and faith, committed to building community and restoring relationships. Pastor Smith dedicates his life to serving God, embracing a vision of love and unity for the growth of Favor Life Center.

First Lady Cecilia D. Smith began her faith journey when she accepted Jesus at a young age. Raised in South Central, Los Angeles, she found her voice singing in the choir, where music was her love language to the Lord. After graduating from Jefferson High School, she became a dedicated cosmetologist, uplifting women with encouragement. On March 29, 1986, she married Pastor Smith, and together they’ve served faithfully. For the past six years, she has also been a licensed minister.

At Favor Life Center, she leads the Women’s Ministry and founded Purple Table Talk, serving as a spiritual midwife. She also mentors young women through a group called Roses, named after her mother, Rose Lee Woodson, who believed in showing every woman her glory—whether holding her baby or offering encouragement. Known as “Nana” and “Yaya” to her three children and eight grandchildren, she serves through calls, texts, and outreach. Her sole purpose is to honor God with her whole life. Her passion is behind every action, guided by Proverbs 31:10—“a wife of noble character… worth far more than rubies.”