Newell Jay Smith

Retired NOPD Captain Newell Jay Smith passed away on March 13, 2021 at the age of 69. He was born on April 2, 1951 in New Orleans to the late Ernest Smith and Beauty Lillian Smith. A bookworm with a love of learning, he received his Masters degree from Troy University and received a degree of Criminal Justice from Loyola University as well as a background in public administration. He had a passion for education and never stopped studying, and was proficient in Spanish and sign language. He loved travelling, both across the United States and around the world. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, playing basket ball and football, and even achieved the rank of a black belt in karate. He was a member of the Star of Bethlehem Lodge №. 168.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Ernest and Beauty Lillian Smith; his stepdaughter, Jamie J. Jones; and his sister-in-law, Lisa Larche Smith. He is survived by: his wife of 19 years, Francene Smith; his stepdaughters, Angela Pearl Brown and Michelle Monique Jones; his sons, Lamont Smith and Demarius Matthias Smith, Sr. (fiancée Nikiya Davis); his sisters, Sandra Jean Thomas (Roger Thomas) and Ilana Catherine Smith; his brother, Reginald Wayne Smith; his grandchildren, Demarius Smith, Jr., Auri Smith, and step-granddaughter Mikayla Jamie Hill; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Daniel W. Nuss and Nurse Anette of Our Lady of Lakes, as well as University staff, the staff of West Jefferson Hospital, the Ochsner Hospital staff, Touro Hospital and Passage Hospice, Floyd Truehill and family, Kevin Veal, Charlie Dickerson, Lodge №. 168, the NOPD, and their neighbors.

A service honoring the life and memory of Newell Jay Smith will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., following a 9:00 a.m. visitation, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home at 5100 Ponchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124.

Those wishing to leave fond memories and condolences for the family are encouraged to sign Newell’s virtual guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.