Stephen Jessel Smith

Stephen Jessel Smith was born in Houston, Texas on January 8, 1939, and passed away December 8, 2022, in Houston, Texas. He is the son of Maynard and Rosalie Smith, who preceded him in death, as did his brother Lester H. Smith.

Survived by the love of his life Carol Rein Smith, Stepsons; Trever & Cody Sorrell (However, Stephen called them his sons) Grandchildren; Tyler, Sierra and Ryder, Brother; Alec Smith and his wife Susan, Sister-in-Law; Sue Smith, Nephews and Nieces; Stuart Smith, Shelly Hendry, Adam Smith and Lauren Smith, Cousins; Judy Osborn and her husband Al, Kirk Smith and his wife Sandra, as well as numerous additional cousins and extended family.

Stephen was admitted to practice before U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. Preparatory education, University of Oklahoma (B.B.A., 1961); legal education, University of Texas School of Law (LL.B., 1964) Fraternity: Pi Lambda Phi. President, Young Judaea, Junior Class, Wharton High School. Vice President, Senior Law Class, University of Texas School of Law, 1964. Assistant City Attorney, Houston, Texas, 1965-67. Municipal Court Judge, Piney Point Village, Texas, 1967-2007. Trustee, Houston Lawyer Referral Service, 1987-89. College of the State Bar of Texas, 2001-08. Director, Harmony House, Inc., 2003-11. President, Community Lodge, B’Nai B’rith. Houston Bar Association; State Bar of Texas (Grievance Committee, 1979-86; Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, 1990-91; Council, General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Section, 1989-2019; Chairman, 2003-04; Family Law Section; Real Estate, Probate & Trust Section; Criminal Justice Section; State Bar Board of Directors, Large Section Representative, 200-07; Crime Victims Rights Committee, 2004-07; Public Affairs Committee, 2011-16; American Bar Association. Fellow: Texas Bar Foundation; American Bar Foundation.

Stephen was an avid sportsman with baseball being his favorite. Stephen would watch as many football and Houston Astros games as possible. He loved to retell old stories of family and the glory days of his previous athletic competitions.

His family invites friends to gather for the shiva minyan and reception from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, TX 77401.

Rabbi Roy Walter will officiate at a private family graveside service before the reception.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be directed to Texas Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Hospital, or the charitable organization of your preference in lieu of customary remembrances.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.levyfuneraldirectors.com for the Smith family.