Ernest Smoot Sr.

Smoot, Sr., Ernest Ernest Smoot, Sr., age 86, died December 19, 2017 at home. He leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved wife and companion of 32 years, Janis (Turner) Smoot and his children. They are Arletta Cason, Diane Smoot, Linda Cozart (Montra, Sr.), Virginia Williams, Cynthia Blanche (Earl), Ernest Smoot, Jr., Sybil Smoot Palchetti, Eric Smoot, Heather Smoot, Jessica du Maine, Erwin Smoot, Azure McNeal (Terrill), and Kimberly Smoot. He also has a devoted goddaughter, Dominique Murphy. He has 22 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Ernest Smoot was born June 12, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri to James and Jessie Mae Smoot, He was preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings: Theonia, James Jr., Thomas Arthur and Theodore. Later his mother married Mr. Joseph Hamilton and Ernest welcomed his stepbrother, Winston Hamilton (Deborah) who survives him. Ernest Smoot is a proud graduate of Sumner High School. He worked for many years in the medical records department of Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Later, he taught real estate appraising nationally as a member of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) and then retired as a real estate appraiser from the St. Louis City Assessor's Office. His last 26 years of work were in the IT department at Harris- Stowe State University. He was a member of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church and served in many capacities including deacon, elder, and the Men's Council. He was also an avid participant in the Men's Bible Study group. Ernest Smoot took his civic duties seriously. He served on the boards of North Newstead Association, Operation Brightside, and St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources (DD Resources). He also served as a mayoral appointee to the St. Louis Board of Adjustment and the St. Louis Board of Equalization. As a musician, he sang under the direction of Wirt Walton at Sumner High School, Kenneth Billups in the Legend Singers, on the Muny Stage and at the Kansas City Starlight Theatre. He played guitar and harmonica. For many years, he directed the Smoot Family Singers and the Holy Rosary church choir. After his years of active participation, he and his wife Janis enjoyed live theatre, choral concerts, and travel. Ernest Smoot was devoted to his family and friends. He will be missed for his deep faith, unfailing encouragement, and his wonderful smile and humor. Services: Thursday, Dec. 28, the wake will be at 10 a.m. and the funeral will be at 11 a.m. at Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, 4673 Labadie Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. The repast will follow at the church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Granberry Mortuary. GRANBERRY MORTUARY