Earl Smith

Earl Smith was born July 22,1932,to Alberta Smith and Author Monroe. He was the youngest of four children,Walter Smith,Anna Aurea Robinson(deceased)and John Smith(deceased). Earl grew up in a small community nestled behind Mafggie L. Walker High School and Virginia Union University,called New Town. He attended Moore Street School,now known as Carver Elementary . At a young age,he joined Saint Paul's Baptist Church,which was originally located in New Town. Earl continued to grow his faith through membership with the Church of God and Prophesy and Shekinah Temple. Immediately preceding his death his death,his daughter Linda Jafari pastored him. Earl was adventurous and fun-loving;and it was that spirit that led to his extensive traveling. From the age of 15-25,he hitchhiked his way to many states,the last of which was New York where he lived for 5 months. At his 79th birthday party last year,he shared with those in attendance that his life time dream was to travel to London,England. Though Earl had very little formal education,he was very skilled and gifted. He had the ability to fix anything,and spent most of his spare time restoring things that had been discarded. He was a master craftsman who utilized his skill as a burner at Cruickshank Ironworks and Sampson Iron and Metal for many years. Recognizng his skill,he was trained as a welder and later worked as Frank H. Knott's and Peck Iron and Metals. He also taught welding at Steele's Welding School. Earl married the love of his life,Mary Lucille Washington. They had 10 children together:Boyd Earl,Linda,Veronica,Gregory and Audrey Washington,Jerome,Shiras,Earl,Jaunice and Kevin Smith.He has three sons-in-law;Emmett J. Jafari,Timothy Brice and Otto Brown,Jr.;and two daughters-in-law,Deborah Smith and Theresa Smith,20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed listening to Gospel Music,watching cowboy movies,building model cars,and riding his own custom designed scooter. Earl was a man of great courage,determination and wisdom. Doctors gave Earl only a few days to live months ago,but God gave him months until a few days ago. Even during the latter stages of his illness,he continued to amaze everyone by his awareness,perception and wit. He was lucid and chatty to the very end,still watched his westerns and will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

Tributes

Earl Smith

July 22, 1932 - February 20, 2012