RUSSELL J. SMITH

On Sunday morning, March 2, 2014, our hearts were saddened by the passing of our loved one, Mr. Russell Jerome Smith, of South Chesterfield, Va. God knew best and sent his angels to escort him to his heavenly home to rest peacefully in His Kingdom.

Russell was born on Dec. 11, 1964, to Carolyn Smith and Joseph Dean. He was a native of Petersburg, Va., and a graduate of Petersburg High School Class of 1983. He studied horticulture and landscaping, and was employed for the following: Boulevard Flowers, Mezzera Landscaping and Land G. Landscaping. His expertise led him to the University of Richmond, where he soon advanced as a university events technician. He received numerous awards and letters for outstanding service. Russell served 18 years there. He used his multi-talents to help family, friends, neighbors and church members with whatever they needed to have done, even though he was caring for his wife. He was later employed by Quality Moving Co. until he became ill, but he remained a part of the Quality family.

Russell attended Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church until his health prevented him from doing so, but he kept up with the weekly services and events from home and was eager to return.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Curtis L. "Blow" Smith; one aunt, Shirley McCray; a nephew, Brandon Mason; a niece, Natasha Crocker; father-in-law, Robert L. Gee Jr.; and brothers-in-law, Michael and Timothy Gee.

Russell will forever be with his loving and devoted wife of 26 years and soul mate of 29 years, Pamela Gee Smith. His memories will be cherished by his parents; his loving and devoted sisters, very devoted-Maria Smith (George) of Matoaca, Robin Smith and Gina Collins (William), both of Petersburg, and Tammy Maxwell of Maryland; devoted brothers, Maurice Smith (Tyzita) of Petersburg and Joseph Dean Jr. (Angela) of Maryland; aunts, devoted-Ann Wilson, Audrey Smith, Selena Dean and Serena Wyatt, all of Petersburg; uncles, John Smith, Robert and Harry Dean, all of Petersburg; a devoted great-uncle, the Rev. Dr. E.M. Wilson of Petersburg;; a devoted cousin, Lisa Spence (Robert) of Petersburg; a devoted mother-in-law, Jean Gee, and a devoted brother-in-law, Christopher Gee, both of South Chesterfield; other devoted extended family members, Albert and Gloria Phillips of South Chesterfield, Eric Phillips of Northern Virginia, Delores Render and Glen Brown, both of Petersburg; devoted friends, Alonzo Chandler and Lorenzo Scott, both of Petersburg, Thomas Taylor and Herman Tucker, both of South Chesterfield, and other Willowdale Court and Willowdale Drive supporters; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of VCU Medical Center and the ER staff of Southside Regional Medical Center for their kindness and support.

Services for Mr. Russell J. Smith will be held noon Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Oak Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 25 W. Wythe St., Petersburg; the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin, pastor. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 4607 Hickory Road, South Chesterfield, and 243 Shore St., Petersburg, and may be contacted by calling the following numbers, 804-526-0857, his mother 804-481-6747, and his sister at 804-526-4225.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Smith at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

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