Jessie Smith

Mr. Jesse Smith was born August 14, 1947, in Lowndes County, Alabama, to the union of Robert and Susie Smith. He was the fourth child of eight children. He accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Jesse attended Calhoun High School and graduated in 1968. He moved to Saginaw Michigan in 1970, where he was employed with General Motors for 37 years of loyal service. He was a member of UAW Local 455.

Jesse was a man of many hobbies that he enjoyed, especially playing and watching baseball, working in his yard and garden, and spending time with his wife, “Brown Suga,” better known as Linda Smith. He was a dedicated member of New Friendship Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. Jesse was open-hearted and willing to help anyone in need. He always gave encouraging words of wisdom, which is why his family commonly referred to him as “Suga Man.” Jesse was always generous to others. He had a lot of pride in his hometown and spoke highly about being a country boy from Alabama. Jesse spoke often about moving back to Alabama to sell fruit and pecans. Jesse enjoyed taking road trips every summer with his family back to Alabama to visit relatives. He loved and greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He had a kind and gentle spirit. Jesse was loved and admired by all that knew him.

Jesse made his transition from life on earth to eternal life on February 23, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loyal and devoted wife of 55 years, Linda Alexander Smith; four children, Jeffrey (Ann) Smith, Douglasville, Georgia, Terrance (TaMarra) Smith, Canton, Michigan, Tenina Smith, Duluth, Georgia, and Timothy Smith, Grand Rapids, Michigan; three grandchildren, Shawntrell Smith, Saginaw, Michigan, Terrance Smith II and Taryn Smith, Canton, Michigan; four sisters, Bernice (Donald) Hayes, Saginaw, Michigan, Mattie Mae Davis, Hayneville, Alabama, Susie Mae (Alton) Gaithers, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Shellie Ann Bryant, Lowndes County, Alabama; two brothers, Lomac Smith, and James (Shelly) Smith, both of Lowndes County, Alabama; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many other relatives and friends.

Jesse was preceded in death by his grandparents, Della and Nathan Smith, parents, Robert and Susie Smith; and one brother, Robert Smith.