Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith was born on November 1, 1944, to the union of the late Fannie and Lavisse Bryant Smith in Cincinnati, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his brother Bryant Smith, his sister Gloria Jean Roddey and his oldest daughter, Kimberly Renee Dunn.  He entered into rest on December 6, 2024.

Joseph accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Calvary United Methodist Church on West 7th and Plum street by Pastor Bankhead.  He often walked his younger siblings to church on Tuesday for children’s programs.  Joe played Joseph in one of the Christmas plays.  He learned scriptures, songs and speeches that were recited during Easter and Mother’s Day.  His strong faith led him to assume additional employment to further aid the Calvary church financially.  

A man who wore many hats, our beloved father, grandfather and brother was kind, genuine, and supportive. He was always available and there for us. He was a great listener, advisor and counselor in life. He was the true “Godfather”. No minor or major decisions were made without his input. He was a straight shooter and never pulled any punches.  

Joseph graduated from Taft High School, Class of 1964, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a member of the Taft High School Alumni Planning Committee. After high school, he enlisted in the United State Marines Corps.  He served from 1964-1970 with an honorable discharge.  He joined the American Legion Halker-Flege Post No. 69 and was appointed to the treasurer position.

He retired from The Henkel Emery Chemical Group. He was always helping others and was very selfless. He was very well traveled and loved to collect souvenirs. He was our personal travel advisor.

Joseph loved sports and was one of the original founders of the Six Men Tiger Organization, Paul Construction Tigers and The Tigers basketball teams. He coached basketball, baseball and football for over 40 years.  He was a hero and a role model who young men looked up to.  Joe was a father figure for those who did not have a father present in their lives.  He loved to play cards; he was a member of Shakers (The hottest spot on the hilltop) card club and a member and treasurer of the Cincinnati Yellow Jacks card club.

Our Joe was a sharp and classy dresser with swag. He was very sociable and lit up the room wherever he entered.  

Mourning his departure and cherishing his beautiful memories include his children: two daughters, Monica Canady of Ohio, Dr. Latosha (Clarence) Clark of Georgia, two sons, Darnell (Kehinde) Smith and Joseph W. Smith of Ohio.  His three surviving  brothers are Eddie Lee Oliver of Louisana, Michael Louis Smith (Donna) of Indiana, Pastor Manuel L. Smith (Estella L.) of Georgia, four sisters: Pastor Dr. Christine Grant (Daryl), Ernestine Montgomery,  Wanda L. Dantzler (Charles A.) and  Beatrice Lovette (Minister Reginald K.) and one bonus Brother Robert Smith all of Cincinnati, Ohio.  He is further survived by twelve grandchildren: Latosha Dunn, Latoia Dunn, Lamar Dunn, of Ohio, Cedric (Shawon) Canady Jr. of Georgia, Victoria(Joshua) Canady-Anderson, Julian Canady of Florida, Dearies Love, Tierra Davis, Dar'niya Smith, Yanirah Smith, Darreal Hayes, Daryle Hayes Jr. all of Ohio, ;fourteen great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren.  He had six bonus children, Ronald Lewis, Jamaya Murray, Erica Murray, Allen Murray, Telly Murray and Ellis Veal of Ohio.  He also had twenty-nine bonus grandchildren and fourteen bonus great grandchildren.  He also leaves his longtime companions Henrietta Dority and Janet Veal both of Ohio, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. 

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