Henry Everett Smith Sr. peacefully transitioned at his residence , on Sunday, January 24, 2021. Henry was born on January 25, 1934 in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was the third child born to the Late Willie Sherrod Smith and Lilly Powell Smith. Henry was predeceased by his sister Addie Lorraine Thomas, brother’s Willie Smith and Carlton Smith.
Henry, as a youth, attended Celestial Baptist Church. Henry recommitted his life to Christ in2020.
Henry attended the local school system in Portsmouth and graduated from I.C. Norcum High School. At Norcum he lettered in four sports and played Varsity football. He was the last Surviving member of Norcum’s 1952 State Champion Basketball team. On December 6, 1986 he was inducted into I.C. Norcum Athletic Hall of Fame.
Henry attended Morgan State University from 1953-57 and was a member of the CIAA Championship during his tenure. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Varsity “M” Club, Inc., and the Hellenic Council . He was also on the Dean’s list while attending Morgan. Henry played football while attending Morgan State. He became known as “goose” as he could do with a football what “Goose” Tatem did with a basketball. Henry was a avid football player. Henry earned a Bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University. He was inducted into the Morgan State University Athletic Hall of fame on, October 22, 1983.
On January 21, 1958, Henry was drafted into the Army. He played football and basketball for the United States 7th Army and was a member of the All-Europe track team. He was honorably discharged on December 31, 1959.
Henry moved to New York for greater employment opportunities. He applied for a position with the New York City Human Resource Administration, Bureau of Child Welfare. He was hired thus starting his career, protecting vulnerable families and children. Henry retired in1992 as a Senior Case Supervisor after 32 years of rewarding service.
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing , and obtaineth favor of the Lord” [Proverb 18:22]. Henry met his wife, Jeanette Olivia Greaves while living in New York. They were married on August 30, 1996. They settled in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Henry was Loved by many. He loved his family above all. He was a loving , devoted husband and father. He had long term friendships and was loyal to his friends . He had a wonderful sense of humor and wit and loved to make people laugh. At home he was very quiet and reflective, requiring very little to make him happy. He loved playing golf, which was now more compatible with his age. His greatest love was the children. Not only his own children but , his nephews and nieces and the children of all his dearest friends. They are all grown up now but to them he will always be “Pop” or “Uncle Henry”.
Henry leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Jeanette, “his only baby girl “ Renee Hull of Roosevelt , N.Y.; three sons, Stanley G. Smith Sr. , of New Orleans, Louisiana, Henry E. Smith ,Jr.[Juliette] of Atlanta, GA. , William Alexander [Tristann] of Charleston, S.C.; granddaughters, Shaleara Smith, Raven Smith, Danielle Smith, grandsons , Stanley Smith Jr., Larry Worsley, Jailin Ginyard, Henry Smith III, great grandchildren, Zoey Elliott, Alana Davis, Kaiden Pressley ; Goddaughters, Sandra Greer and Jennifer Wilkins-White; sister-in laws Nina Smith, Bobbi Smith and Sylvia Smith; a host of nephews , nieces, cousins and friends.
Please celebrate his life’s journey with us and be blessed; he is now in the presence of the Almighty Father. He is blessed to return to Gods arms.
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Next Walter B. Bagby, Sr.
Dr. Julia M. Boyd says
February 21, 2021 at 9:27 pmTo the Family. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray for your strength as you face this difficult journey. As is stated in scriptures, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We pray for your morning. Keep the faith, be strong.
The Boyd Family, Samuel & Julia
Dr. Karla Valrie-Potts says
February 22, 2021 at 2:36 pmWhere do I begin? I met Jim, as I called him (personal joke) and his lovely wife, over 20 yrs. ago. He and his wife become surrogate parents and grandparents to my husband, children, and me. I loved the way he tried to act as if he were mad about something or he would answer the door, close it in my face, say that nobody was at home, and then peek through the curtain and laugh. Whenever we talked, he shared his wisdom and his opinion on things (solicited and unsolicited). I would always leave that conversation having learned something new. He was proud of his alma mater, Morgan State and his love of golf. Pops, take your rest now and Mom, know that Tony and I are here for you.
Love, Tony, Karla, Tisha, Tasha, and grandblessings.
Vernetia Robinson says
February 28, 2021 at 5:01 pmSincerest condolences are extended to you Mrs. Jeanette Greaves Smith and Family on the loss of your husband and loved one. We pray for comfort and strength during these difficult days. May the good Lord continue to wrap His arms around you and shower you with His peace and love. Prayers are being lifted up for you and your family that God will keep you in His tender care. Vernetia W. Robinson & Brenda W. Williams
Yowanda Thomas says
February 25, 2021 at 4:57 pmMy deepest sympathy your niece
Steven Barnes says
February 28, 2021 at 4:51 pmOn behalf of the Barnes Family, Steven and Patricia, we pray God’s comfort will be as sufficient as it is for your every need. May you rest in his love and care you for in the days to come. God is faithful.
Bill Lyght says
February 28, 2021 at 7:36 amHenry “Goose” Smith was my roommate during my sophomore year (1956) at Morgan State University. He was the quarterback of football team and played varsity basketball. He was also an excellent student. He loved and highly praised his college experience at Morgan. He often mentioned that his college relationships would always be cherished. Goose was a good man whom I highly respected. He will be missed. God bless.
Bill Lyght
Savannah GA
Hani Malek says
February 28, 2021 at 10:43 amOur deepest condolences to my colleagues Ms. Renee Hull for the loss of her dear father and to all her family. May he rest in God’s eternal peace ✝️
nathaniel Johnson says
February 28, 2021 at 2:15 pmAuntie, stay strong you are never alone . Call if you’re in need anything or just to talk.GOD is good.Love , NAT .
Mikki Wilkins, Rita Matthews, Xavier Johnson & Families says
February 28, 2021 at 3:45 pmMikki Wilkins, Rita Matthews, Xavier Johnson & Families
Aunt Jean – I know you feel that God has all of us in his care. May his Love lift you up, carry you and keep you always. May the Sweet Beauty and Memories of Uncle Smitty’s Love for you warm your heart, give your spirit a song and fill your laughter with a special joy. Now that Uncle Smitty is with my Dad… My heart goes out to God and All the Angels!!
Carlton L. Smith Sir. says
March 1, 2021 at 2:28 pmSo sorry for your loss. I pray that God will comfort you all during your time of grief and give you peace. ❤