Kemploy S. Smith

Kemploy Smith peacefully departed this life on Saturday, February 14th, surrounded by love and the legacy of a life well lived.

Kemploy was born on September 24, 1939, in Hamilton Mountain, Saint Mary's, Jamaica West Indies, to Lionel Smith and Icilda Willis. He was the firstborn son in a family of ten children (three boys and seven girls).

After the passing of his father, Kemploy moved to Kingston to live with his grandfather, Lionel, where he attended primary school. Upon completing his early education, he enrolled in trade school and learned the skill of spray painting, a craft that would become his lifelong profession.

In 1960, Kemploy met the love of his life, his queen, Norma. Their love blossomed, and they were united in marriage on October 5, 1963. Together, they began building their family, welcoming three daughters by 1965. With dreams of greater opportunity, they made plans for a new life in the United States. Norma arrived first in 1967, and Kemploy followed in 1968.

Just one week after arriving in the United States, Kemploy began his employment with Pitney Bowes as a spray painter. Shortly thereafter, their daughters joined them, and the family was further blessed with another daughter. Kemploy worked faithfully at Pitney Bowes for 30 years before retiring. Throughout his career, he received awards and recognition for his hard work, dedication, and excellence in his craft. In retirement he worked with Jason Roberts home business. Working to design concrete patios for families. His dedication to excellence carried over to his home. He kept his home immaculate. His yard was always well groomed. He took much pride in his home.

Kemploy loved music and had a large album collection spanning every genre. Most Saturdays, music could be heard playing from his home, and you would find him dancing or teaching his moves to anyone who stopped by. He loved life, fellowship, and friends coming over to relax and listen to tunes. At every party he attended, he was the life of the celebration, even until the time he left this earth. His dance moves were unmatched. Although he lost his sight in his late 70s, he did not need to see to show his rhythm and joy. The music lived within him.

Kemploy was a devoted provider and protector of his family and treated everyone like family. His wife was truly his queen. He deeply loved his four daughters and his son. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, always encouraging them and other young people he encountered, to believe in themselves. He loved his entire family, extended family and friends. He was always ready with advice, wisdom, and the constant reminder: "I love you, all the time."

Kemploy loved God and understood that God is love. He would often tell strangers, "You are my brother" or "You are my sister in Christ." He was a long-time member of the East End Baptist Tabernacle Church joining under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Vernon S. Thompson. He would often be seen clapping and dancing as the choirs would sing.

Kemploy was predeceased by his parents, five sisters and grandson (Mohamed). He left to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Norma Teresa Smith; his children, Joan Owens (Victor), Janet Vicente, Audley Smith, Marlene Mason, and Paula Rice (William); his four living siblings; his fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three bonus grandchildren; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

His legacy of love, faith, music, and joy will live on in all who were blessed to know him.