John Edward Smith

Mr. John Edward Smith was born on March 22, 1960, in Sumter County, South Carolina. He was the beloved son of the late Annie Mae White Smith and Elijah Smith.

John was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. During his youth, he attended Bethel A.M.E. Church with his grandmother, Irene White. John was well known for his gifted craftsmanship and talent as a painter. He took great pride in his work and was blessed with a gift that allowed him to bring beauty and new life to the spaces he painted.

John also had a love for cooking and bringing people together. A special and memorable fact about John was that he was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy’s fan and a master griller. He loved preparing delicious meals for his family and friends, especially during family gatherings and special events. His food, laughter, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irene White and John Buck White; mother, Annie Mae Smith; father, Elijah Smith; sisters, Diane Smith and Delciene Sam Johnson; uncles, John White Jr., Sgt. Ben White, and Thomas White; and aunt, Sadie Mae White.

John leaves to cherish his precious memories, his brothers, Robert Smith and Richard (Sharolyn) White, of Sumter, South Carolina; a special cousin, whom he loved and considered a sister, Loretta Sam (Charles) McDuffie of Sumter, South Carolina; aunts, Vermelle Williams of Columbia, South Carolina, and Geraldine (Hercules) Garrick of Sumter, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

John’s life was a blessing to those who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, the memories of his kindness, his talents, his love for family, and his gift for bringing people together will remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind. May his memory forever by a blessing.