Back to Obituaries Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

Deacon John L. Smith

02/27/1944 - 08/18/2025

Obituary For Deacon John L. Smith

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Deacon John L. Smith 81, of Carver Rd., Martinsville transitioned peacefully from this earthly life at his residence. He was born in Virginia on February 27, 1944, the son of the late Harvey Smith and Myrtle Williams Smith.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by five brothers, Richard Smith, Harvey Smith, Jr., Oscar Smith, Lawrence Smith and James Smith, and two sisters, Marylin Dalton and Sherly Ziglar.

John was a member of St. Paul High Street Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Chairman of the Charity Board and as an Usher. He was a truck driver for Smufitt-Stone for over 20 years and was employed by the Henry County Public Schools through SSC Services for education.

John leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and resilience through his loving wife Bonita Brooks Smith of the home; two daughters, Latonya Smith of Martinsville, VA and Natasha Henderson (Sylvester) of Richmond, VA; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; four sisters, Geneva Jones, Diane Smith and Thelma Wright ( Vonronstead)) all of Martinsville, VA and Pauline Wimbush (Alonzo) of Bassett, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 noon at St. Paul High Street Baptist Church, 401 Fayette St., Martinsville, VA with Dr. Matthew Brown, Eulogist. Interment will follow at the Smith Family Cemetery, Martinsville, VA.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 455 Carver Rd., Martinsville. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.


Condolences & Tributes

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Linda Payne sent The Peace Lily for Deacon John L. Smith - August 20, 2025

Send flowers for Deacon John L. Smith

My deepest condolences for all the family and many friends. Praying that God will surround you with his comfort and peace during this difficult time and the days to come. Sandra Branch

Sandra Branch

So sorry for your loss Bonita! Praying for you and your family! 🙏🙏🙏

Beverly France

Sending condolences and prayers to Natasha and family during this time of bereavement.

Marleeta Thompson & Family

Sending thoughts and prayers of comfort to the family of Deacon John Smith, he was an incredible neighbor, the John Spencer Court Community will miss you dearly. John's mentorship to my nephews was truly priceless!

Shannon Menefee

Our condolences and prayers for sister Bonita and the Smith family. John will be greatly missed within our church family and all life's he touched. God bless you during this time. Fibbie Ann & Dana

Dana and Fibbie Hairston

Our Condolences and Prayers For The Family Deacon Smith Was a Great Friend and Neighbor for Our Community.

Bobby and Mary Stockton

Condolences and prayers to Bonita and the families ❤️🙏🏾

Bernice Blackwell Brown

Mr. Smith was such a sweet man. When I was a new teacher at Bassett, he was such a welcoming and kind presence. He will be truly missed. Sending all my love to his family.

Taylor Clark

My condolences to the family. Such a kind - humble man-the same every time you saw him

Deirdre Ephriam

Prayers for the family Flo CaHill

Flo CaHill

Our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Smith family.

Peter&Willie Mae Harris

Sincere condolences to all of the family.... Darryl Holland

Darryl Holland

Condolences to Smith Family sorry for the loss of your love one. Praying that God will give peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Dale&Gale

Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Leth& Marian Hairston

Praying 🙏 for the entire family. May God strengthen your hearts 💕 daily.

Ruby Amos

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

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