Harold O. Smith

Mr. Harold O. Smith was the only child born to the late Cleophus Smith and Victoria Thomas Smith in Manhattan, N.Y., on Aug. 29, 1944. As a child, Harold lived with his parents in Harlem until they relocated to Queens in 1960. Harold attended and graduated from John Adams High School in Ozone Park, N.Y. During most of his childhood, Harold can always be remembered for wearing the big brother hat for his two younger cousins, sisters, Gloria A. Barrett McNeill and Joan H. Barrett Cobb (Joannie), as well as for many of his other cousins. Harold always made sure that Gloria and Joannie were taken care of "literally".

He and his family frequently visited his mother's hometown of Petersburg, Va., and quickly he became known to his family here in Virginia. Harold always kept things interesting to say the least. As an only child he was a spoiled little boy. As a grown man, he continued to have a knack at being the center of attention in any way he could. He loved to make people laugh and also enjoyed watching movies and listening to his favorite singing group, the Whispers.

Harold later received his associate's degree from Mercy College in social work. He enjoyed helping others so he pursued a career in counseling. He was employed by Elmcor Drug Rehabilitation Program in Corona, N.Y. until he became ill.

Harold suffered the loss of his only daughter, and both his father and mother. He continued to support his two cousins, Gloria and Joannie and was later affectionately known to their children as Uncle Harold.

Harold found his spiritual side and became a Muslim studying, following and practicing the teaching of the late Honorable Elijah Mohammed. Accepting the Muslim religion, Harold eventually also adopted the name and was known as, Shaheem Abul Aleem. Only illness could keep Harold (Shaheem) from attending Mosque #7 in Harlem each Friday.

Harold lived with his cousin, Joannie, for awhile in Queens and then relocated back to his roots in Harlem. Although he was confined to a wheelchair, Harold (Shaheem) continued to play an important role in the lives of his family, both in New York and Virginia.

On Dec. 14, 2009, Harold moved to Virginia with his cousin, Joannie. Harold was hospitalized on Dec. 22, 2009. After a long bout with illness, all of his pain and suffering ceased on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, Harold (Shaheem) departed this life in John Randolph Medical Center in Hopewell, Va.

Harold leaves to mourn his death, a devoted cousin (sister), Joan H. Barrett Cobb of Henrico, Va., several devoted cousins, Delores Ann Wright and Rosa B. Goode, both of Petersburg, Va.; cousins, Gloria A. Barrett McNeill of Newark, N.J., Deval Cobb, Sontell Cobb and Stevie Daniels, all of Queens, N.Y., Latoya Somerville and Aquan Brunson Jr., both of Valley Streams, N.Y., Ralph Lee of Henrico, Va.; a devoted lifetime friend, James "Jimmy" Saunders; and a host of other cousins; and friends.

Harold (Shaheem) may be gone but will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at the chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc, 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., Evangelist Rosa B. Goode, officiating. Interment to follow at the Thomas Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 515 Elm St., Petersburg.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Smith online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, VA (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.