I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 November 4, 1951, at 2:28 P.M., a strong, healthy, freckled-faced baby boy was born to Ira Q. and Genevieve Smith, at 5830 Central Crest, in Houston, TX. He was named John Henry Smith, and was the fifth child to join the growing crew of ten Smith siblings. John attended P.H. Holden Elementary School in Houston Independent School District, where he excelled academically, becoming an all-around scholar, and gained life-long friends. From there, he went to Booker T. Washington Junior and Senior High School, maintaining high honor roll status, remaining in the A-Pod— the highest performing academic pod—until he graduated. During his high school career, John mastered the art of conversational Spanish, and participated in UIL Spanish competitions, beating local scholars from schools across the city. He served as President of Student Council, and won multiple honors and accolades, and effortlessly smoked components in track and field. John graduated with honors, receiving the Jesse H. Jones scholarship in 1970. John attended Prairie View A&M University, where he pursued a degree in Pre-Med. In 1973, John left Prairie View and enrolled at University of Houston to continue in Medicine. He later departed U of H to pursue Minor League Baseball. John accepted Christ at an early age, and united with Central Garden Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Bennie Blair, Rev. Henry Bradford, and Rev. Ernest Brooks Jr. John served as President of the Junior Choir and Sunday School Teacher. He accepted the appointment of Junior Sunday School Superintendent as a teenager. His relationship with the Lord was apparent, and he loved sharing his word and love for Kingdom Building. John often gave testimonials to friends and family about the goodness and faithfulness of God. John was employed at Cameron Iron Works as a laborer, and was soon promoted to supervisor. During his time there, he played softball for the company, dominating the sport with enthusiasm and vigor. He quickly created a name for himself for his powerful homerun hits, trash talk, and lightning-quick speed around the bases. In 1983, John joined the Houston Police Academy, graduating in Class 116, under the leadership of Chief Lee P. Brown. There, he spent 29 years, retiring on December 7, 2012. While on the force, John received numerous honors, ranging from the Drug Task Force, Identi-Child Program, and the Community Relations Committee, where he lectured at schools and community events. He excelled in marksmanship, receiving the rank of distinguished expert shooter.
August 10, 1977, John became a father to a bouncing baby boy, Jamal Christopher Smith. Saturday, October 4, 1980, at 7:30pm, John married the love of his entire life, Gaylyn Denkins. From that union, a 7lb 10oz beautiful baby girl, Lauren Michelle, was born. John was a devout member of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Vincent “Ben” Lewis. There, he sang in the Men That Matter Male Chorus every fourth Sunday, and served as a leader on the baptism committee. In his past time, John immensely loved gun and bow hunting, fishing, shooting at the gun and archery range, as well as making his own ammunition. He participated in competitive archery and organized softball. John’s NFL team was the Dallas Cowboys. He loved the blue and gray with all his heart, and remained a diehard fan forever. John passionately gave nicknames to family and friends, adding to his humorous personality. He became a debater on any issue he felt passionately about. John loved mentoring and teaching. He aspired to pass on to others the many arts he consistently worked on mastering. He traveled all over the U.S., indulging in activites he treasured. John never met a stranger, acquiring life-long friends wherever he went. He made repeated appearances at the Texas Police Olympic Games, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for archery in 2011. John’s pure heart was seen, known, and loved by countless individuals. He touched an immeasurable amount of lives in his 69 years on earth, up until the day of his passing. To know him was to love him like a father or brother. His tough love approach and keen knowledge base was welcomed by all who held the esteemed privilege of knowing him. Above all else, John’s greatest accomplishments were being a loving husband and father, unquestionably providing for his family. On Monday morning, January 4, 2021, the Lord called his servant John Henry home, to rest peacefully and without pain, in his heavenly home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira Q. Smith and Genevieve Jackson Smith. John leaves to cherish his memories: his loving, loyal, and devoted wife of 40 years and 3 months, Gaylyn; son, Jamal; daughter, Lauren Smith Harris (Trey). His six grandchildren: Tiarra Smith, Hailley Smith, Kaden Smith, Maya Smith, Caleb Harris, and Chloe Harris. His siblings: Quinton Smith (Delores), Mablean Warren (Johnny, deceased), Virginia Henry (Lewis, deceased), Marjorie Womack, Ronnie Smith (Billie Jo), Danny Smith (Monica), Callie Pettway, Kevin Smith (Lorraine), Reginald Smith (Debra), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
Musical Prelude Played by Minister Jacquie Foreman Processional Pastor and Immediate Family Life Epitome Read Silently Scriptures Old Testament - Reverend Greg Cheeks New Testament - Adrian S. Adams Prayer Minister Mary Paige Congregational Song “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” Led by Minister Jacquie Foreman Career Profile Read by Houston Police Department Representative Resolutions and Acknowledgments Jettie Greene Expressions Louis “Bubba” Caldwell Adrian A. Adams Ronnie Smith, Sr. Spoken Word Pastor Ben Lewis Recessional Pastor and Immediate Family
To My HUSBAND To the Love of My Life. My Hero. My Everything for 40 years and 3 months. What am I going to do without you? It’s going to be different now that you’re not here, physically, but you will always be in my heart, as well as the memories that we shared. You are the true definition of what a husband should be. You loved me unconditionally, and more. Where there were two, will now be one. No more pain, procedures, or doctor’s appointments. Rest well, My Love, in your new body! Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours! Love Forever, Gaylyn Denkins “Black” Smith
To “POPI” You were a legendary police officer, and the best grandpa ever! We love you and know that you are looking down on us from heaven. Love you more than life, Caleb “Dukes” Harris and Chloe “Doonis McDaniels” Harris
To My DAD Dad, you always told me to give credit where credit is due. Your work ethic was unmatched, and your talents were beyond admirable. There will never be another John Henry Smith. You were amazing in every aspect of your life, never compromising who you were to fit in or be accepted by anyone. You loved hard, and you pushed me to be the best version of myself, even when I made mistakes. From beginning to end, you lived your life to the fullest: breaking barriers, demolishing goals, and setting the bar for others to reach. One thing about it, you always operated with integrity and displayed strength. I couldn’t have asked for a better “Popi” for my children. You did everything for them. Whatever they asked for, you delivered. Whenever I called you to do anything for them, you did it without question. When I look at Caleb, I see you. He is strong and incredible, just as you were. Chloe has your giving spirit, and embodies your vigilance. Webster’s Dictionary defines the adjective remarkable as: worthy of being or likely to be noticed, especially as being uncommon or extraordinary. For you, the term remarkable is not merely enough to describe exactly who you were! So many times, you came to my rescue, and, in some cases, saved my life. You and mom were the real Mr. & Mrs. Smith! I will miss our long conversations about how to properly use words, my venting sessions, our recaps on some of our favorite shows, the stories I’d hear you share over 200 times, and me reading you your rights about how you shouldn’t sneak out on Tuesdays to get the Popeye’s two piece dark meat chicken special! Today, and every day, your life is to be celebrated and honored. I am grateful that you were able to give me away to such a remarkable man. So many of your qualities, Trey possesses. You introduced him to some of your favorite arts. You were so proud of him, and he looked to you as another father. Saying I will miss you is truly an understatement, but I am thankful for the time I had with you, and honored that God knew to appoint you as my earthly father. As you’d always tell me before hanging up the phone, “Love you, bye!” Or, “Bye now!” You’re simply the best to have ever done it, dad. You’ll always be The Man. The Myth. The Legend. I love you. So much. Beyond words. Forever your baby. Bye now, Lauren Michelle “Bud” Smith Harris
DADDY, You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. You blessed us with a lifetime of memories that we will cherish until we meet again. I wish we had a little more time so I could say thank you. Thank you for giving me life and being the best father a person could ever have. Thank you for being my biggest supporter when I was at my lowest point and feeling lost. Your words of encouragement and the wisdom you passed along helped me become the man I am today. Thank you for loving me, teaching me to love, helping me transition from a boy to a man, a student to a teacher. From a son to a father. None of this would be possible without you. They say no one is perfect. They never had you in their life! Thank you for everything. I love you!!! Love, Jamal “Chris” Christopher Smith
Active
PALLBEARERS Anthony Jackson Danny Smith Kevin Smith Ronnie Smith, Sr. Ronnie Smith, Jr. Darwin Thomas
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all our family, friends, and co-workers for your support during this extremely difficult time. The outpouring of love, phone calls, texts, words of encouragement, and prayers, are overwhelming, and we are grateful. Your thoughtfulness will always be cherished, and we know John Henry “Smitty” Smith is looking down, smiling. May God richly bless each of you.
INTERMENT
Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery 1101 Antoine Dr. Houston, TX 77055
Final Arrangements ENTRUSTED TO
Honorary PALLBEARERS John Bacon Louis Caldwell David Curry Joe Davis Lonnie Jackson Quinn Jackson Johnny Johnson Johnny Kovar Bill Meyers James Tongee Tommy Tyler Brandon Smith Reginald Smith Quinton Smith
O.W. Wiley Mortuary 1290 Pinemont Dr. Houston, TX 77018 Funeral Programs Designed & Printed by Cedric Stover (713) 922-5282 • cedstover.com