Laverne Smith Sr.

Laverne Smith Sr. was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan to the late Oscar Smith and Luvenia Smith (nee Richardson) on January 22, 1930. He departed this earthly life peacefully on Thursday, February 29, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Laverne moved to Joliet, Illinois as a child and grew up in the Manningdale area.  He attended Joliet Public Schools and graduated from Joliet Township High School.  He was united in holy matrimony to Grace L. Brown and shared 72 years of marriage.  To this union, seven children were born; Laverne Smith, Jr., Cheryl Smith, Oscar Smith Sr., Eugene Smith Sr., Vincent Smith Sr., Nancy Smith and Mary Smith.

Laverne worked many years at GAF until the plant closed.  Shortly thereafter he worked for Local 75 and retired as a construction worker.

Laverne was a hard worker and enjoyed tampering with and fixing lawnmowers.  He also enjoyed good, hearty meals. Laverne was a senior member of Fort Erie Elks Lodge #167 – IBPOEW for over 50 years of dedicated service.  He served several terms with the Elks as the Exalted Ruler, Secretary and Trustee.  He also took pride in being Chairman of the house committee for many years.  Laverne was also a life member of Fort Erie Elks Lodge #167.

Laverne is preceded in death by his wife, Grace L. Smith; parents, Oscar Smith and Luvenia Smith; nine brothers, Demetrius, Ronald, Oscar “Bub”, August, James, Jerry, Lynell, Maymon and John Smith; four sisters, Moselle Smith, Maydella (Robinson) Smith, Sandra Smith and Irene Foster; and one son, Laverne Smith Jr. 

Laverne leaves to cherish his memories; three sons and three daughters; Oscar (Valerie) Smith Sr. of Covington, KY; Eugene (Valencie) Smith of Biloxi, MS; Vincent (Twana) Smith Sr. of Joliet, IL; Cheryl (Leonard) Riley of Joliet, IL; Nancy Dent of Joliet, IL and Mary Smith of Joliet, IL; sister, Laura Burford; sister-in-law, Jeanette Terrell; brother-in-law, Sylvanious Brown; many loving grandchildren, great-grand-children; great-great-grandchildren; special nieces and nephews; and a host of extended relatives and friends. Also left to mourn the members of Fort Erie Elks Lodge #167 and Amber Temple #1299.

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