Jorel Lamar Smith

Jorel L. Smith, 36 passed away on September 12, 2024, at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. Jorel was born in Hartford, CT, the only child of Christina Oden and Jeffrey Smith.
Jorel graduated from East Hartford High School in 2006. Jorel aka "Joff" to his friends and those who knew his fashion sense and for being a true "sneaker head", his taste not for quantity but quality and most especially styles which reflected his own personality. He was known as the "go to" for those new or hard to get Jordans. He was also a person who was loyal to his friends, and they were loyal to him, with him you always knew where you stood. A person whom many sought advice from due to his honesty, resourcefulness, and problem-solving abilities. As most people who know Jorel know he survived a horrific car accident in 2007 from which he became physically disabled; however, from how he spoke and lived his abilities far exceeded what he was no longer able to do physically. He continued to live with a positive outlook and was able to watch his daughter grow up to become an intelligent and beautiful young lady, she is his legacy. His family and friends are grateful to have had those additional 17 years.
Jorel is survived by his mother Christina Oden, New Britain, CT, his daughter Jahnye Smith, Manchester, CT, his maternal grandmother "Lola", Aurora Oden, East Hartford, CT. He is also survived by his uncle Otis B. Oden II (Chisa) and aunts Latina Boyd, Beatrice Smith, Cynthia Wilson, and a Great-Aunt Yvette Brooks and his dear friend and mother of his daughter Chassidy Chapman, Manchester, CT, he is survived by a host of family and close friends. Jorel was predeceased by his father Jeffrey L. Smith, grandfathers Otis B. Oden I, and Berisford Smith and his paternal grandmother Charlie Mae Smith, who predeceased him by 10 days.
His family will receive friends on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 11 AM – 12 PM followed by funeral services at 12:00 PM at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Middletown.