Jessie M. Smith's Obituary
Jessie M. Smith was born on May &, 1933 in Foreman, Arkansas to the union of Willie Mae Howard Smith and Jim Smith. He moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1946 at the age of 13, and received his primary education at the now historical Dunbar School. Jessie enlisted in the United States Army twice in 1950 and again in 1955 from which he received Honorable Discharges. He retired after working at the University of Arizona for 32 years.
Jessie was a quiet man. He shared with his companion, Ida, that he was not a church going man, however he did know The Lord and prayed all the time. Jessie mostly enjoyed daily weekday walks with his friends, (Jimmy, Art, Richard, and Joe). He also found pleasure in visiting other friends and associates at the D.A.V., going fishing occasionally, watching sporting events on television (especially boxing). At times, he would even practice boxing using his own boxing bag.
Jessie had two favorite songs. “Big Boy Pete” originally written and recorded by “Don & Dewey” which he would sing while he prepared his breakfast in the mornings. He also would attempt to “cut a rug” when “Wild Wild West” (Kool Moe Doe) would come on the radio.
Jessie leaves to cherish his memory his loving companion of 33 years, Ida B. Harper, stepdaughters, Annette, Sharla, Nadine, TyRuby, stepsons, Rontanner, Curtis, Jayvon, 49 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.
Jessie’s parents and siblings (sisters) Mary Edna Smith White and Mary Louise Marshall Johnson and stepdaughter, Beverly and granddaughter Beverly Jenae, all preceded him in death.
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