Maria Yvonne, is the wife of Apostle Ellis L. Smith and in May, 1981, together they founded the ministry of Faith Christian Fellowship, now known as Jubilee City Church. They have worked closely with Metro Detroit churches and the community of the Eastside of Detroit for well over forty years. As of March 2018, the ministry relocated to Westland, MI., where she serves as a staff Pastor.

She has a heart for the Body of Christ and women & children in particular. She loves to spend her time mentoring and discipling those who are new in the faith, and as a result has a multiplicity of sons and daughters all over the United States. She has spearheaded the Family Life Ministries at Jubilee City Church for many years and now oversees the Women, Childrenʼs and Music Ministry.

She has travelled evangelistically, teaching and preaching God's Word as well as ushering in the presence of God through prophetic worship.

Maria is the mother of four beautiful adult children and their spouses who are all very passionate for God and work in the ministry & community, additionally, she and Ellis are blessed with fifteen grandchildren!

She is very intent on quality family life and spends lots of available time with her children and grandchildren. For leisure, she loves painting, crafting, drawing, music, crocheting, baking, swimming, reading, theater, pinning and writing to encourage others.

She is a graduate of Detroit Public Schools. Additionally, she attended Rhema Bible Training Center, William Tyndale Bible College and Cornerstone University. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and is certified in Grief Counseling and Character Genetics Training. She resides in Canton, MI with Ellis, her husband of 49 years.