Jerry L. Smith

Jerry L. Smith, 82, of Pearl, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Born on May 2, 1942, in Port Gibson, Mississippi, Jerry was a cherished member of the community, known for his warm heart, gentle spirit, and deep passion for collecting antiques.

Throughout his life, Jerry cultivated an extraordinary collection of antiques, each telling a story of the past. His love for history and craftsmanship was evident in the countless hours he spent searching for unique items whether at local markets, estate sales, or during his frequent travels across the country. Friends and family often admired his ability to find beauty in the old and forgotten, breathing new life into treasures that others might have overlooked.

Beyond his passion for antiques, Jerry was a real estate title abstractor regarded as among the finest in the state of Mississippi. However, he was far too humble to agree with such a claim, but his reputation was still well deserved.

Jerry was a loving and devoted husband of 61 years to Melba Smith and is survived by his son, J. David Smith, daughter-in-law Lori Beth, and grandson, Hayden.

He will be remembered not only for his impressive collection but also for the way he shared his love of history with others. Whether through casual conversation about a recent find or through helping a friend find the perfect piece, his enthusiasm was infectious.

Visitation will be held from 9:30am until 10:30am, Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Graveside services will follow at 11:00am at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

The family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity in lieu of flowers.

Jerry's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, in stories he told, and in the timeless pieces he so dearly loved.