Jessie Smith

Jessie Smith, 68, of Terre Haute, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 16, 2024 surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on August 19, 1955, in Chicago, to Claude and Natchez (Baker) Smith. He was raised in Chicago.

He attended Abbott Elementary School and Caldwell Junior/Senior High School. He pursued his higher education at Xavier College in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jessie felt called to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps and served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina from 1975 to 1982. He then returned to his hometown of Chicago where he worked in security at Rush University Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital.

Jessie relocated to Terre Haute later in life. This decision led him to meet Marjorie Evans, the love of his life. The two were instant best friends and were quickly united in Holy Matrimony on April 16, 2005. Jessie was a member of True Gospel Tabernacle Church. He worked as a technician for ResCare for 15 years and also as a Correctional Officer at the Putnamville Correctional Facility for 16 years until retiring in 2020.

Jessie was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bulls. He enjoyed life to the fullest with family and friends whom he loved dearly. He loved traveling with family. Jessie was deeply in love with his beautiful wife with whom he loved to pass infinity with.

Jessie is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Natchez Smith; brothers, Claude Smith, Jr. and Jerome Smith; and sister, Lavern Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Marjorie Evans-Smith; step-sons, James Ware (Bobbie Kirby), Rashad (Kiesha) Owens; brothers, Darryl Smith and Ronald Smith; sisters, Kindell Smith and Tracey Smith; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, four sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday, February 26 at Mattox-Wood Funeral Home. A Homegoing Celebration will be held at noon on Tuesday, February 27 at Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church with a visitation from 11 until noon. Jessie will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.