Clarence Albert Smith

Clarence “Bertie” Smith, a current resident of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away on May 5, 2025 at the age of 84 years old. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica on July 10, 1940 to James Alexander Smith and Irene McLean of Jamaica. He lived in Jamaica until his early 20s when he moved to England. He lived in England for over a decade and then moved to the United States of America where he lived until the time of his death. He was blessed to have been raised by his grandmother, whom he loved dearly, along with his sister and two of his cousins.

Clarence is survived by his sister Myrtle Wilks (Auntie Yvonne) and her family, nine children (Eight biological children and one stepchild), 21 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, relatives, and life-long friends such as Bishop Earl Adams and Steve Dunkley. His children and their families are: Juliet Stephenson and her three sons; Yvonne Smith and her five children; Michael Smith, his wife Natalie, and their six children; Patrick Smith, his wife Annette, and their two children; Marion Rattray, her husband Melvin, and their daughter; Amelia Smith-Dixon, her husband Dabayon, and their son; Clayton Smith; Melissa Smith; Nicole Smith (soon to be Harrell), her fiancée Willard, and their three children.

In his early teens Clarence began hustling to support himself. He would do many odd jobs to make money. He became a jack of all trades. He has worked as a Licensed Contractor, a Painter, a Carpenter, a Mechanic, a Driving instructor, a swimming instructor, a Janitor, and a car salesman. Also, he owned several properties and was a proud Landlord.

Clarence would always say that he married two flowers: Lillian and Hyacinth. He was able to share his life with two ladies who loved him and were able to build a home with him. He was married to Lillian from his 20s to his late 30s and was married to Hyacinth from his 40s to his 60s. Although his marriages ended, he remained friends with both of his flowers.

Clarence was able to overcome many challenges in his life. He desired to be a great Father because he did not know his own Father. He overcame being stabbed, shot, prostate cancer, and bowel obstructions. In the end it was Lewy body dementia that led to his death. However, do not cry for Clarence. He was a man that lived life to the fullest. He loved music and loved to dance, he loved going on trips, he loved a good game of dominoes and ludo, he loved to have deep fulfilling conversations with anyone who wished to communicate with him, he loved hugs and kisses, he loved good food, and he was a man that deeply loved his family. He was independent, strong-willed, and a man that played by his own rules. He had a fulfilling life and when he became ill he stated that he was ready to go. Clarence passed away at his home peacefully with his daughter Melissa and one of his flowers, Hyacinth, at his bedside.