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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.
Live Stream Links
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Condolences & Tributes
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Linda Payne sent The Peace Lily for Deacon John L. Smith - August 20, 2025
May God continue to bless you and keep you during your time of mourning.
Thank you, Deacon John L. Smith, for your dedication to our community. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Sending all of my love and prayers to all of the family and friends of such an incredible man. I worked with John at Bassett High for over 10 years. He was such a wonderful friend, inspiration and loved his family so much. He would come and brag on his grandbabies all the time. Please know how much you papa loved you and all of his family. He was a truth testimate of a Godly Man. Its not goodbye my friend but see you later. Give Jesus a big hug from us.
Sending Love and Prayers to my cousin Bonita and the entire Family-May God continue to strengthen you all at this difficult time and the days ahead-Fly High John ποΈ Rest in Peace-Love Vince and Margaret ππΎ
Melissa & Jasmine Estes
To Aunt Geneva, Thelma, Diane, Pauline, and the entire Smith Family. "Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort"
Tim and Sheila Penn
Condolences to the family. May God rest Mr John's soul and comfort Mrs Bonita and all the family with the peace that passes all understanding.ππ½ I will miss seeing and speaking to him on my neighborhood morning walk . Also he and Mrs Bonita were very kind and helpful in sharing their newspapers for our puppy. God strengthen each of you. π€ποΈSonji P. and Rudy R.
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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
So sorry for your loss Bonita! Praying for you and your family! πππ
Sending condolences and prayers to Natasha and family during this time of bereavement.
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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!
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
Our Condolences and Prayers For The Family Deacon Smith Was a Great Friend and Neighbor for Our Community.
Condolences and prayers to Bonita and the families β€οΈππΎ
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.
My condolences to the family. Such a kind - humble man-the same every time you saw him
Prayers for the family Flo CaHill
Our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Smith family.
Sincere condolences to all of the family.... 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.
Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Praying π for the entire family. May God strengthen your hearts π daily.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
