Deacon Avrian Jerome Smith

Deacon Avrian Jerome Smith was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on November 1, 1972. He was the third of four sons born to the late Christine Baker. Avrian was educated in the Henrico County Public School System. He graduated from Henrico High School in June, 1991. He accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at Fifth Street Baptist Church, where he became a member on February 14, 1994. Over the years, he was active in numerous organizations at Fifth Street to include the Tucker and Celebration Male Chorus, Gospel Creations, and Youth & Young Adult Choir. He served as the Coordinator for Caritas with the Federated Missionary organization (FMO), Vice-President of the Christian Social Action & Justice Commission, a member of the Evangelism Commission, and a member of the Men’s Ministry and Deacon Ministry. He attended the Brother to Brother Saturday class and the Couple’s class. On June 13, 1998, he married the love of his life, the former Telka Alena Thomas. To this union two beautiful daughter were born, Alana Renee` and Niya Larrine Smith. The love of family was one thing he cherished. He loved his three girls and in his eyes his girls could do no wrong. He received numerous awards to include Young Adult of the Year in Fellowship in 2001, Young Adult of the Year 2004, and he was ordained to the Ministry of Deacons on January 23, 2011. Avian provided transportation for student and adults in the Richmond area for the past 15 years. He worked in transportation for Coca-Cola, James River Bus Lines, Groome Transportation, GRTC transit system and Henrico County before finding a job at VCU where he was currently employed with the RamSafe program. He enjoyed working at VCU. A true comedian at heart who would always keep you laughing and a smile on your face, and please don’t challenge him about his love for his team the “ONLY” team “The Dallas Cowboys.” He enjoyed sharing with the men of the church with fantasy football. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife of 17 years,Telka Thomas-Smith;two devoted daughters,Alana Renee` and Niya Larrine Smith;three brothers,Dwayne (Tracy),David(Gladys) Foster and Renese Smith;devoted father and mother-in-law,Deacons Thermond and Otelia Thomas;two sisters-in-law,Crisane T. (Theodore)Cook and Rev. Cecelia T. (Francisco)Rollins; a host of aunts,uncles,nieces,nephews,cousins,and other relatives and friends,among them,Alpha Mallory,Frank Jones,Deacon Randolph Butts and Timothy Hobson.

Tributes

Deacon Avrian Jerome Smith

November 1, 1972 - January 23, 2016