Gerald L. Smarr, Sr.

Obituary for Gerald L. Smarr, Sr.

Mr. Gerald L. “Chef” Smarr, Sr., 72, of Atlanta, died Wednesday, June 19, 2013. The funeral service for Mr. Gerald L. "Chef" Smarr will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Friendship Baptist Church, 437 Mitchell St., S.W. The Reverend Dr. Emmanuel McCall, interim pastor. Rev. Darylene Rood-Allen will preside. The body will lie instate one hour prior to the service. Interment Forest Hills Memorial Gardens.

Gerald Leon Smarr was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 22, 1941 to Charlie A. Smarr and Annie Laura Bolton Smarr. He attended Atlanta Public Schools and graduated in 1959 form Booker T. Washington High School. Through the years, he always looked forward to attending class reunions and other alumni gatherings.

In addition to Friendship Baptist Church, Gerald Smarr, Sr. worshipped and established covenant relationships with Mt. Calvary and Beulah Baptist churches. Many felt, however, that he was “ordained” in the cooking ministry. For over 35 years, he was employed as chef at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Henrietta Egleston Hospital). He retired June 25, 2003.

Gerald Smarr drew great pleasure from cooking. The staff and several of his neighbors looked forward to his daily meals at Friendship Towers where he was vice president of the Residents’ Association. With his embracing smile and beautiful disposition, Gerald Smarr could make everyone laugh as he told jokes and stories about his life and experiences – then he would feed everyone!

In addition to his parents, Gerald L. Smarr, Sr. was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth Smarr and Virgil Smarr; sister, Charlotte Smarr-Bass; and daughter, Stephanie Smarr-Rockymore.

Those who cherish his memory include his son, Gerald L. Smarr. Jr. (Tonya); daughters, Rhonda Smarr and Kimberly Smarr-Hudson (Samuel); brother, Thereon Edmonds (Avis); sisters, Alice Jackson (James), Glenda Smarr and, Lynelle Smarr-Lavender (Isaac); and, his children whom he adored as though they were his own, Jamie Brown, Trent Belcher (Doris); niece, Natasha Smarr and Kevin Berry; 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren other relatives, former co-workers, neighbors, and friends.

Viewing and visitation 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 24, 2013 at Grissom-Clark Funeral Home, 227 East Lake Dr., S.E. (at Memorial Dr.) 404-373-3191. www.grissom-clarkfh.com

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