Jake Lee Smith

Mr. Jake L. Smith went home to be with the Lord on October 12, 2018. He was born to Jake Smith Sr. and Lesester (Danzy) Smith September 8, 1937 in Caney, Kansas. The Smith’s settled to a family farm in Cassopolis, MI in 1940.

In September 10, 1962, he united in marriage to Veola (Gary) Smith in Elkhart, IN at Community Missionary Baptist Church.

As a member of Community Missionary Baptist Church he served as a Deacon, Financial Clerk and Grounds Keeper and never hesitated to help out in other areas of the church when needed.  He was a lifetime member of the NAACP.  He served in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.  He was also the President of Elcome Credit Union and President of AFSCME Labor Union.  Jake also volunteered as a builder for Habitat for Humanity and was a driver for Meals on Wheels for several years.  He returned to school and received his high school diploma in 1976.  He retired from Elkhart County Highway after 18 years of service.

He leaves to cherish: his wife, Veola; three sons, Allen K. (Bertha) Gary, Barry (Andrea) Smith, and Keith (Theresa) Hutchinson, all of Elkhart, IN; three daughters:  Barbara A. (Sylvester) Gates of Elkhart, IN; Juanita Glover of Grand Rapids, MI; and Veronica (Jerry) Smith of South Bend, IN; three brothers:  Lennell Smith, Cassopolis, MI; Wendell (Lori) Mitchem, Canton, MI; James (Hanna) Smith; ten sisters: Ora Lee (Lefate) Owens of Elkhart, IN; Carol Turner of South Bend, IN; Marie (Joe) Gause of Elyria, OH; Gloria (Thomas) Brown of Granger, IN; Sandy Pompey and Nancy Connor both of Cassopolis, MI; Jackie Smith and Selina Smith both of Kalamazoo, MI; Jennifer Foster of Atlanta, GA; Betty Joe of California; Grandchildren – Frances Smith, LaShanta Smith, Michael Smith, Willie Newsome Jr., Ryan Newsome, Jake S. Smith, Alex Jackson all of Elkhart and Nastasha Burroughs and Don Nash Jr. of South Bend; three Goddaughters: Carolyn Land, Gloria Pace and Janice Neal all of Elkhart.  He also leaves a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Willie Newsome; three brothers Marion, Roger, and Donald; two sisters Juliette Smith and Leanna Tocar.

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