Obituaries

Chesapeake- On Monday morning, March 4, 2024, our beloved son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, John Leon Smith, passed from this earthly life into life everlasting. Born October 4, 1945 in the Blackwater area of Virginia Beach, VA, he was the second child of John Smith and Marion Ferebee Smith.

John, aka “Bay-Bay”, grew up playing baseball and making friends with everyone; he never met a stranger. School for him began in a one room schoolhouse at New Willow Grove Baptist Church, being taught by his maternal aunt, Gladys Grandy. He then attended Southeastern Elementary School and graduated from (his beloved) Crestwood High School. Education is a family calling, so after spending some time working after high school graduation, John attended Norfolk State College - now Norfolk State University - and completed his bachelor’s in education in 1971. During this time he also started a baseball team to share his love of the game and provide a safe space for the teenage boys he knew.

John began his teaching career in 1972 at Lott-Carey Elementary School, and then moved on to Monroe Elementary for the bulk of his career. He spent a few years as an Instructional Specialist, and returned to his first love, teaching 5th grade, at Chesterfield Academy. Even after retiring in 2007, (completing 38 years in Norfolk Public Schools), he continued to be an education advocate and never stopped teaching. He tutored students, worked in adult education programs, and offered advice to new teachers.

John was very active in his community and church. He was a faithful member of New Willow Grove Baptist Church for many decades; served as financial secretary, taught Sunday School/Bible Study, and became a deacon in 2004. He considered it an honor to have the responsibility of serving God’s people. Many trusted John to be a listening ear and give helpful, wise advice whenever they needed it. He had a powerful, yet calming presence and people knew he could be depended upon in times of trouble. He remained a fierce supporter of NSU, and he and his friends could be found in the stands at most home games, cheering on The Green and Gold.

Family was the most important thing on earth to John, and he was immensely proud of his children. He stood as a steadfast pillar of support for his family and loved ones through life’s triumphs and challenges. Among his many endearing qualities, John was renowned for his ability to light up any room with a funny story and his unwavering loyalty to his friends. He had an easy, peaceful way of making people feel welcome. John leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever echo in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Smith. He will be forever cherished by his two daughters, Cheray and Kedra, his mother Marion Smith, his brother and longest best friend, Roderick (Sandra) Smith; two sisters, Rita Smith Dove and Erma Spence; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Homegoing Celebration will be 11:00 am Saturday March 9, 2024 at New Willow Grove Baptist Church; 841 St Brides Rd W.; Chesapeake, VA 23322. Viewing will be 4-6pm Friday; March 8, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will be in New Willow Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Livestream Link

https://v2.forever.link/fitchettmann/john-leon-smith