Bernard Smith, Sr.

Obituary For Bernard Smith, Sr.

A TIME TO BE BORN: Bernard Smith, Sr., affectionately known as “44”, was born on October 18, 1955 in Chicago, IL to the proud parents, Birdis Smith, Sr. and Katie Lewis.

A TIME TO LIVE: Bernard received his basic education in Fort Pierce, FL, in the St. Lucie County Public Schools system. In addition, he served in the US Army Reserve, and received an honorable discharge in 1981. Bernard met Patricia Ann Peterson in 1981. They were united in holy matrimony on January 1, 1983. Bernard worked for the Fort Pierce Memorial Hospital, St. Lucie County Public Schools, Mosley & Sons Construction, Inc. and eventually ventured out on his own, as the sole owner of B&T Landscaping Services in Fort Pierce, FL.

A TIME TO WORSHIP: Bernard was exposed to Christianity at an early age, seeking and receiving the Lord as his personal savior at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, which was located across the street from the family home. Later in life, he became a member of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Usher Board and member of the Men’s Choir.

A TIME TO LEAVE: On Friday, June 5, 2020, Almighty God summoned Bernard to a land where pain and suffering shall be no more. He was preceded in death by his father, Birdis Smith, Sr., his brother, Birdis Smith, Jr. and his father-in-law, Willie Peterson, Sr.

A TIME TO MOURN: Those left to cherish his precious memories are his loving wife of 37 years, Sis. Patricia Ann Smith of Fort Pierce, FL; sons, Bernard (Annie) Smith, Jr., Marcel Smith both of Fort Pierce, FL, Derek Smith of Atlanta, GA; daughters, Bernatta (Ed) Owens of Jacksonville, FL, Stephanie Smith of Fort Pierce, FL; mother, Katie (Eric) Lewis of Fort Pierce, FL; sisters, Rosie Hicks of Fort Pierce, FL, Dorothy (Johnnie) Shield of Port St. Lucie, FL; mother-in-law, Thelma Peterson of Ft. Pierce, FL; 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; godson, Jerome Dekle of Fort Pierce, FL; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends that will miss him dearly.

Public visitation will take place on Friday, June 12, 2020 from 4-6pm at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL. A Celebration of his life will begin promptly at 11:00am Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID 19 have been relaxed, we here at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 ft. social distancing guidelines as well.