Leo Smiley

Leo Smiley was born to the late Joseph and Clara Smiley on June 20, 1930, in Lake Providence, LA. He was reared and received his formal education in Eudora, AR. Leo moved to Chicago, IL at the age of 17, and with hard work, he was able to save and prepare for his future.

On June 20, 1951, Leo married his childhood friend and classmate Maggie L Wright; to their union, they were blessed with four children and reared on the west side of Chicago. Leo worked for Western Electrics in Chicago for 32 years and retired in 1983. He also worked several years as a part-time stock person for Jewel in Maywood where he made many neighborhood friends and retired from there as well. Leo and Maggie made their home in Maywood and later Broadview where they lived in the area collectively for over 30 years. Their home was filled with laughter and served as a hub for many family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Later in life, Leo was baptized and joined Broadview MB Church where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, under the leadership of Pastor Clarence W. Hopson. At Broadview Baptist, he enjoyed Sunday morning worship services, Wednesday afternoon prayer and worship, and served faithfully on the Transportation Ministry. Later, he and Maggie moved to Tabor Hills retirement community in Naperville, IL, and transferred their church membership to St. John, AME Church under the leadership of Pastor Jesse Hawkins.

Leo often said he lived a full and beautiful life! He was a hard worker and unapologetically believed in tough love. He loved listening to his music, reading the bible, and socializing with family and friends. Leo really did enjoy his family, especially his grandchildren, and encouraged them to always pray and trust in God! He passed down his tech-savvy skills to his children with his love for gadgets and can’t forget his citizen band (CB) radio. Our family is eternally blessed by Leo and will forever cherish his memory!

On June 8, 2022, Leo was called to his heavenly home and was reunited with his bride Maggie.

Leo's parents, his loving wife Maggie, one son Leo Cordell Smiley, and two brothers Ozell Smiley and Joseph Smiley all preceded him in death.

Leo leaves to carry on his legacy two daughters Linda Lefaire (Daryll) and Brenda Wright, three sons Stanley, Ray Smiley, and Steve Pearson (Theresa), two sisters Lillie Manuel and Lucille Harris, one sister-in-law Geneva Smiley, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces cousins, and close friends.

A visitation for Leo will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. Funeral Services Wednesday , 10AM. Interment to follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.

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