James Mortie Smith

James Morty Smith, affectionately called “Smitty”, son of the late Minnie and Morty Smith was born May 11, 1922 in Meherrin, Virginia. On Sunday, August 7, 2005 at 9:17 p.m. God sent a loving angel to bring James home to be with his heavenly father.“Smitty” attended public schools in Virginia and later joined the United States Army and served as a Technician until his Honorable Discharge in January, 1946. For more than 25 years he worked at the Bethlehem Steel Company until his retirement. His passion was driving and because of that he obtained part-time employment with the Diamond and Arrow Cab Company. On any given day you could spot “Smitty” driving his cab through the streets of Baltimore proudly. Many of his riders became close and dear friends.He met and married the late Marjorie Taylor and from this union, Ronald, Jerry and Sheila were born. Well loved by many, he pursued his hobbies with a passion one favorite was cooking, especially preparing his famous Smitty’s Blackberry Cobbler, Candid Sweets, Fried Apples and Biscuits on Sunday mornings. The family looked forward to his annual family cookouts. He played pinochle with anyone who dared to do so and his favorite saying was “Hey, how you doing today? Oh yeah, if I had your hand I would throw mines in.”On July 4, 1964 “Smitty” married Grace Butler and from this union Jocelyn, Gina and Devona were born. He was a very strong, courageous, kindhearted, spiritual and determined man. He loved all of his family very much and loved spending time with them. He was always helping others and never asked for anything in return.“Smitty” placed God at the center of his life. For 17 years he was a loyal and active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore. He joined the Men’s Ministry where he participated in many activities. He attended church regularly and was faithful until his illness prevented him from doing so.James had two sisters, Ella and Fannie, and one brother, Joe who preceded him in death.“Smitty” leaves to celebrate in his memory his loving wife, Grace of 43 years, children Ronald and Jerry Smith, Sheila Smith-Allen, Jocelyn (Denise) and Devona Smith, Gina Evans of South Carolina, and Eric Gross. Two brothers, Charlie, (Minnie) and Drury “Sun” Smith, (Gladys) of Meherrin; three sisters, Dorothy Hazewood, (Jack) of Meherrin, Betty Richburg of Michigan and Anna Washington of North Carolina; fourteen grandchildren, Lynn, Michael, Jerry Jr., Gregory, Ronald Jr., Tiffany, Tonia, Anthony Jr., Taylor, Jacqueline, Eryn, Eryca, Ebony, and Vannisha. Nine great-grandchildren, with two expecting, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, godchildren, other family members and friends.

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James Mortie Smith

May 11, 1922 - August 7, 2005