Obituary of John L. Smith

SMITH, John Lee Age 73 of Elmira, NY. He was born on the 8th day of January 1946 in Minter City, MS, the son of Britten and Sarah Smith and was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 22, 2019 after a long battle with COPD. John worked at the young age of 14 to help his parents provide for the family. In 1963, at the age of 17 he left Mississippi and came to New York as a migrant worker. After a few years, in 1970, he met his wife Lillie R. Smith of Prattsburg, NY. They then moved to Elmira to raise their family. John, as some refer to as Bill or Wolf, had the biggest heart known to man. He would help anyone. He was funny, strong, independent, caring, loving and passionate. Not only did John have a big heart for others, he had an amazing love for children. All children and everyone that knew him will say the same. He will be truly missed. John was predeceased by his parents, brothers Britten Smith, Jr., James Smith; sister Emma Jean Smith and Betty Smith. He leaves to celebrate his life; wife Mrs. Lillie R. Smith; daughters Nona Smith, Brenda Kelly, Barbara Kelly, Virginia Smith and Anetha Smith; son John Lee Smith, Jr.; brothers Roddie (Mary) Smith of Detroit, MI and Eugene Rosie Smith of MS; sister Julia Mae Smith of MS; grandchildren Reba, ShaCarla, Marcus, Shalika, Bernard, Brittian, Lillie, Michael, Tashiana, Sean, Levon, Robert, Nikki, Idella, Talisha, Carl, Jr. and Cedric all of Elmira along with a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; life long friends Lester Owens and Joseph Britt. Family and friends are invited to Lake St. Presbyterian Church, 300 Lake St, Elmira on Friday, March 29th from 11 am to 12 noon. His funeral service will be held at 12 noon. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. "We love you Wolfman. You will always be missed and loved"