Jesse Jerome Smith

Jerome was born on March 19, 1940, to Jonah Smith and Olva Smith in Gibsland, Louisiana. Jerome was one of 13 children and the eleventh among his siblings whom he loved with all his heart.

He received his education at Gibsland-Coleman High School. At a young age, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army on September 18, 1958. He served as a light weapons infantryman with heavy artillery. After sustaining injuries during his service, he received an honorable discharge in 1963.

Jesse was a hardworking and dedicated provider. He moved to Los Angeles California with his brother Milton Smith and was employed at Sees Candies and later spent many faithful years as a truck driver for Mrs. Baird’s Bread, where he remained until his retirement.

Most importantly, Jerome was a devoted man of faith and a committed servant of God.

In September of 1991, Deacon Fred Walker invited his friend and co-worker Jerome to worship with him at his church. Upon hearing the proclamation of the Word of God expounded upon by the late Pastor, Dr. Wiley L. Dunn Sr., he immediately united with the New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church family. He became a faithful member of the Men’s Sunday School Bible Study class and served diligently as an usher. He was known for standing tirelessly at his post near the church’s side door, always ready to assist and warmly welcome members and guests with a smile. He attended service until his health recently no longer allowed him to do so.

On June 10, 1995, Jerome married the love of his life, Rosemary Bell Smith. They built a prosperous and happy life together and remained joined during health and sickness until she departed this life in 2023. Jerome deeply loved and highly regarded Rosemary’s daughter, Yolanda, whom he cherished as family, along with her husband, JD, and their two daughters, McKenna and Logynne.

He had one beloved son, Gerald Wayne Cockerham, who preceded him in death.

Jerome touched the lives of so many through his love, warmth, and generosity. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile, genuine kindness, quiet spirit, and open-handed generosity. He was a staple in his neighborhood and community, respected and loved by many whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

On April 19, 2026, Jesse was welcomed into the arms of his loving God. The Lord spoke and said “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of the Lord. Jerome was called home to rest.

He leaves to cherish his memory two living siblings: Milton “Barbara” Smith of Los Angeles and Nora Mae Smith of Mansfield, Louisiana. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Today we bid farewell to our beloved son, brother, cousin, husband, father, uncle, friend, servant, colleague, co-worker in the vineyard and most of all “Child of the Most High King.”

His legacy lives on in the hearts of not only his family, but in the hearts of countless souls into whom he poured, showing that love changes lives. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of faith, love, humility, and service, and will endure for generations to come.