Deacon Howard Lee Smith, Sr.

Obituary For Deacon Howard Lee Smith, Sr.

VIEWING: Thursday, October 16, 2025/ Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

SERVICE: Friday, October 17, 2025/ Time: 2:30 PM/ Prospect RZUA Church, 256 Piney Pond Road, Brodnax, VA 23920/ Rev. Jacqueline Ogburn, Pastor & Presiding; Rev. Earl Walker, Eulogist

INTERMENT: Crestview Memorial Park, 18599 Highway One, North, LaCrosse, VA 23950/ Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 11:00 AM

DEACON HOWARD LEE SMITH, SR, age 82, son of the late John Eddie Smith and Alma Lambert Smith was born July 14, 1943 in Mecklenburg County, VA and departed this life October 10, 2025 at his residence, Brodnax, VA. He was also preceded in death by his son, Howard Jr.; his longtime friends- Richard “Blue” Gholson, Sylvester Stone, MacArthur Wilson, Early Bracey and John Eddie Jackson.

At an early age he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined St. Luke Church No. 2, where he was a faithful member. In 2002, he was ordained as a Deacon. Howard remained a faithful member until his health began to fail. He was educated in the Mecklenburg County Public School System.

Howard was married to Dorothy L. Smith on August 28, 1971 and to this union two children were born.

Howard devoted his life to hard work, faith, and family. He was a skilled brick mason at Hamlett Masonry in Richmond, VA and also, he worked many years at Brodnax Mills in Brodnax, VA where he was known for his dedication and craftsmanship.

Beyond his labor and ministry, Howard enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. In his earlier years he enjoyed raising livestock, coon and bird hunting. He was an avid fisherman and rabbit hunter with his sons, grandsons, and friends, until his health started to decline. Those who knew him will remember his love for the outdoors.

Howard’s love for his family, especially the grandkids and in the last 6 years those great-grandkids was unquestionable and very strong. They could do no wrong in his eyes and let’s not mention the things they would have him doing and the things he would allow t hem to do, for example, letting Shakera and Keevon cut his hair when he would keep them on their summer break.

To cherish his memories, Howard leaves a very devoted and caring wife- Dorothy L. Smith of the home; 2 sons- Kelvin M. (Felesha) Smith, LaCrosse, VA and Stevie (Parquisha) Smith, South Hill, VA; daughter- Maxine Smith, Ricmond, VA; 7 grandchildren-Shakera (Steven) Endicott, Baskerville, VA; Keevon Smith, LaCrosse, VA; Makayla Smith and Zebrayia Hawkins, both of South Hill, VA; Deshawn, Flomeshia and Quantisha Smith, all of Richmond, VA; 6 great-grandchildren- Jayden and Ryan Endicott; Quarntasia White; Gisele and Girriyah Harris, and Q’Mari Smith; 4 step-grandchildren- Jaquysha Lambert, Charles Jr., Charlesha and Tyquysha Hawkins; 5 step-great-grandchildren- Zaire, Zoey and Zayden Hawkins, Logan and Londyn Ashby; brother- Eddie J. Smith, South Hill, VA; 2 sisters- Florence (Freddie) Brodnax, LaCrosse, VA and Lillian (Edward) Richardson, White Plains, VA; 3 sisters-in-law- Rosa Gholson, Brodnax, VA; Lucretia Williams, South Hill, VA and Alfreda (Timothy) Burton, LaCrosse, VA; brother-in-law, Michael (Cynthia) Jones, LaCrosse, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.