On January 26, 2023, John L. Smith Jr. peacefully went home to be with The Lord at the age of 66.  He was born May 13, 1956, to the late John L. Smith Sr. and Winnie Smith.

John is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Eva Robinson and Renae Smith.

He leaves to cherish his loving wife of 37 years, Barbara Smith, brother Dewayne Smith, sisters, Diane, Diedre and Paris Smith, children, Anthony "Tony", Gloria and William Lee, special sister-in-law, Michele Coleman, 18 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and friends.