Junior Smith (Lansing)

Junior Smith was born October 24, 1938 in Indianola, Mississippi. He was the oldest of 12 children born to Johnnie and Annie Smith.

He graduated from Greenville High School in 1956. He traveled to Kansas, Chicago and Detroit before establishing residence in Lansing, Michigan in 1968. He was known as “Lil Johnnie” and “Bone Crusher” to family and friends.

Junior was employed with Oldsmobile, Lansing School District and Atmosphere Annealing for 19 years until his health declined.

He loved playing cards and dominoes and spending time with his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his 8 children Toyice Langford and Kim Langford of Chicago, IL, Sara “Vicky” Baldwin of Lansing, MI, Tonya (Kenneth) Berry of Lansing, MI, Toyce (Antoinio) of Lansing, MI, Reggie (Lakeisha) of Lansing, MI, Lorenzo (Shirley) Smith of Chicago, IL, and Rueben (Tracey) Baldwin of Saginaw, MI. 25 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren. 5 sisters, Emma Peters, Lillie Wade, Liz Brown, Ora Smith and Jacqueline Smith. 5 brothers George (Bonnie) Smith, Roosevelt (Joyce) Smith, Billy (Mary) Smith, Roger (Rachel) Smith and Jonathan Smith. Two Uncles, one being Jimmy Trotter who was special to him and his longtime friend Gladys Green. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Michael Sheffey, Brother Leon Smith, Sister-in-law Lizzie Ann Smith, Brother-in-laws Johnnie Peters, William Brown.