John Henry Smith's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
