Herbert Smith

Herbert “BooJoe” Smith was born July 31, 1948, in Akron, Ohio to the late Alonzo and Fannie Smith.  He graduated from South High School in 1967.

He believed in God and was baptized at an early age at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  He worked in transportation and retired in 2012.  He had 6 siblings, 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was drafted into the Army in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War. He received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Campaign Medals, and Army Commendation Medal.

BooJoe played softball for the “Bad Boys”. He and his brother, Larry, coached the girls’ basketball team for East High School. He enjoyed listening to music, dancing and cookouts. He was a number one fan of the Cleveland Browns, and his motto was “Family4Life.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo Sr. and Fannie Smith; brothers, Bobby Smith and Alonzo Jr.; sister, Berniece Smith.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife, Juliette Smith; children, Syleen (Allahvel) Andrus, Jermaine (Ana Paula) Smith and Shannon (Jonathan) Norris; grandchildren, Paris, DeGrafth, Styles, Ronald, Allahvel Jr., Nijah, Nevaeha, Jaysha, Julie, AnaKia, Jayvon, Shila and Tamyiah; great-grandchildren, Adrian “AJ” Jr., Jayden and Sy’Ana; sisters, Christine Jones and Elizabeth “Von” Smith; brother, Larry Smith; in-laws, James and Harold Fox; special friends, Karyn & Jesse Clowser and David “Debo” Jones;  special and close host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Condolences may be sent to 959 Nathan St., Akron, OH 44307