EDWARD JEROME SMITH

Edward Jerome Smith was born October 30, 1948, to Marie Floyd Smith and Eugene Smith in Warren, Ohio.  He entered into eternal rest on December 6, 2020.

Ed was educated in the Warren Public School system, graduating from Warren G. Harding High School.  He continued his education at The Ohio State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies and History and a Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling.

Ed was an integral part of the Warren G. Harding Raiders basketball team from 1965 to 1966, the first team in the school’s history to play in the State of Ohio Basketball Championship Final Four. Team mates would remind him during class reunions that had it not been for Ed breaking his hand, the Raiders would have been the State Basketball Champions that year. Ed received many awards and recognitions from his community for his success in playing basketball.  He was named first team Trumbull County, second team All-Ohio, and he played on the Ohio North All Star Squad.  Ed was also honored by his community and school, having his name placed in the Warren Sports Hall of Fame. He received a full scholarship to play basketball at The Ohio State University.  While attending The Ohio State University, Ed was a member of the 1967-1968 Final Four basketball team.

Ed practiced his craft of Guidance Counseling for 35 years with the Columbus City Schools.  He was a Counselor for elementary, middle and high school children.  He loved working with children and over the years, developed many relationships with the staff, as well as the children.  During the summer, he was a Youth Coordinator with the Neighborhood Youth Corp (NYC), Private Industry Council (PIC), and Comprehensive Education Training Act (CETA). He also worked with Youth programs at the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC).

Ed joined and was baptized at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Elon Meeks.

Ed loved life. Ed loved people and Ed loved his family and friends. Ed’s family was his heart.  He was a gentle soul and one of the most non-judgmental people you could ever know. 

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Eugene Smith; brother, Robert; and aunt, Inez Cherry.

Ed leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Mary Louise; daughter, Danielle; sons, Logan Jerome and Ian Edward. Sister-In-Laws, JoAnn Smith and Darlene (Al) Scott; brother-in law, Samuel (Stephanie) Gardner. Best Friends from childhood to adulthood, Lynn Cheryl Gadson, Thomas Bonasera, Al Simpson, Greg Reese, and James Cleamons.  Godson, Kemmuel Steward.  Nieces and Nephews, Gregory (deceased), Gina, Daryl, Antonio, Storm, Stacy, Whitni, Buncie, Michael, Brandon, Samantha,  and a host of other family members and friends.

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