Joe Edward Smith

In The Beginning

Our beloved son, father, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, and friend, Joe Edward Smith was born on June 17, 1994, to Barbara Smith and the late Rodrick Smith Sr. On January 8, 2025, God opened his arms to receive his son into eternal glory at the age of 30 years.

Young Boy

As a child, he loved playing video games, painting, and playing with his model cars. During his elementary and middle school years, he was highly active. Joe was well-rounded, playing basketball, football, soccer, and hockey. He was an athletic scholar who excelled in his academics as well as sports. He built some friendships and bonds which remain close to this day.

 Academic Achievements

Joe received his GED and then attended Baker College where he received his CDL License at the age of 19 years. He pursued both a pharmaceutical career at Dorsey College and an Automotive Degree at Delta College.

Young Man

Joe entered the workforce running. Joe worked various jobs until he gained employment with General Motors (2015 - 2020). He then pursued his true passion of truck driving. Joe began driving for various trucking companies. He simultaneously started his own trucking business which he named Smith & Son's Transport in honor of his father and brothers. Joe was a mannerable and polite young man. Joe was employed with BNB Enterprises INC. until his death.

Family

Joe loved his family, his children, and especially his mom. He loved spending time with his family and children when he was not working. Joe also loved to party and was the "Life of The Party!" He was always making us laugh about something.

Cherishing

Joe leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Barbara Smith; four children, My' Angel Nevaeh Youngblood, Mi'Ani Janay Weatherspoon, Ja'Niah Janae Smith-Jones, and Ja'Leea Janae Jones; two brothers, Alante Shelby and Rodrick (Jade) Smith Jr.; grandfather, Henry L. Smith; grandmother, Helen Baskin; six aunts: Jacqueline Jackson, Winifred Jackson, Erica Shelby, Yolanda and Chanel Baskin, and Kyla Janae McNair; four uncles: Henry L. (Pamela) Smith, Verando Clanton, Frank and Aviance Baskin; one niece, Kah'miya Shelby; three nephews, Rodrick Smith III, Kameryn Shelby, Kaidence Livingston; very, very special cousins: Shaunte Brown, Deondre' Smith, Marcell Brown-Smith, Sherri Smith, Takiyah Janae Smith, Henry L. Smith III, Natasha Webb, Kameron Webb, Karmyn Jiles, Kyrie Jiles, Ashley Roberson, Kylie Adams, Khloe Adams, Demarcus Williams, Alonte' Smith, Latoya Roberson, Joesph Huell, Ephron Fife, Vontae Baskin, Myiah Shelby, Jania Jackson, James Jelks, Eddie Shelby Jr., Adam Williams, Deiamar Lindsey and Dugga Smith; special friends, Raymond Butrion, Issac and Isaiah Campbell, Sandy Sutton, Dijonae Hogg, Aleah Pratt, Karia Evans, Kel Macon, Carolyn Payne, Twuan Williams and Jimmie Williams; four bonus moms: Tocquien Roberson, Sharon Myles, Diane Bodiford and Chontonya Reynolds; special great-aunts, Levada Taylor, Betty Naylor, Louise Curry, Dereneice Williams and Lula Woodard. Joe also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; Joe also leaves to cherish, his children's mothers; Miesha Youngblood, Jonnaisha Jones, and Jamelia Weatherspoon. 

Joe was preceded in death by his dad, Rodrick Smith Sr; aunt, Donna Smith; uncle, Eddie Shelby; grandmothers, Bobby Jean Smith and May Francis Watkins; grandfathers, Lendell Jones and Joseph Adam Williams.