Obituary of Leo Smith

Leo Smith was born on April 26, 1923 to the late Willie and Annie Smith in the Township of Watkins, North Carolina. After a lengthy illness Leo entered his eternal rest on January 9, 2015. Leo was educated in the Orange City, New Jersey school system. Leo was in the first group of African Americans to enlist in the United States Navy in 1943-1946 where he received an honorable discharge. In 1947, Leo was united in marriage to Annie Mae Smith in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and eventually moved to South Jersey in 1955. Annie Mae preceded him in death in 2008. Leo was the father of 5 children: Josephine, Donald (deceased), Lorraine, Renee and Nina. He was employed by Bridgestate Foundry retiring in 1988. During the course of his retirement, he continued his education obtaining a degree in business from Temple University and attended seminary school. Leo was gifted in many areas and loved mentoring people sharing his love of Jesus Christ. He was a lifelong member of Living Faith Community Methodist Church. Leo was a family man who loved participating in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grand children. He always wanted to know what was going on in each one of their lives, going to ball games, soccer games and giving tidbits of wisdom and truth along the way. Leo leaves to cherish his memory 4 children Josephine Collins, Lorraine Barker, (Charles) Renee’ Smith and Nina Woldorf. He will be missed by his 12 grandchildren Allen, Barbara, Robert, Brian, Barry, Tracie, Donald, Anna, Christopher, Matthew and Corey. He was loved by his 17 great –grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well.