John Henry Smith

John Henry Smith was 5th child of 13 children born to Retha Mae (Lovings) Smith and the late Willie Dorsey Smith born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 11, 1950 and was named after his uncle John Henry Smith, his father’s brother. John Henry confessed a hope in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at a local church and served Christ until his passing. John Henry went to Cardinal Ritter High School for his formal education and worked various jobs and ended his career as a security guard John Henry was a family-oriented person and took pride supporting his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He enjoyed watching movies, cooking deserts (bread pudding was his specialty), shopping online going to a wrestling match over the weekends and quoting bible scriptures. His favorite pass time was visiting relatives out of town, especially his Chicago family. He was a real fan of Bruce Lee and would sometimes imitated Bruce Lee to the point he thought he was Bruce Lee. Laughing was another favorite of his brother would say he liked telling corny jokes. In his younger days, many people knew him as the ‘strongest man in the Peabody/Darst Webbe Housing Projects.’ He carried that title with pride, and nobody messed with the Smith Family after knowing they were related to John Henry! Overall, John Henry’s passion was supporting his family and making sure they stayed connected. He was instrumental in keeping relatives connected; he was the connecting link from St. Louis, to Chicago, to Detroit, Atlanta, Florida and Minneapolis. Many people knew he was kind and gave all he could to those he loved. John Henry married but had no children. In addition to his father, Willie Dorsey Smith, Sr., he is preceded in death by six (6) brothers, Willie Smith, Jr., Marlin Smith, Carl Smith, Ronnie Smith and twin brothers unnamed; and one (1) sister, Beulretha Smith-Jordan. John Henry departed this life bound for a lifetime with Jesus on March 6, 2024. He leaves to cherish his life a loving mother ~ Retha Mae (Lovings) Smith; his brothers ~ Reginald Smith, Hausain Smith, Saladin Smith and Sherrieff Smith and his sisters: Carlene Smith and Joyce Annette (Smith) Johnson. all of St. Louis Missouri, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tributes

John Henry Smith

November 11, 1950 - March 6, 2024