Joseph Smith, Jr.

1961    Obituary of Joseph Smith, Jr.   2023

Death is a gateway we must pass through to reach that fair land where the spirit is born anew, I am home in Heaven, Dear Ones: oh, so happy and so bright. There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting life.

On Sunday, 7 May 2023 at 12:55 pm in Lutcher, LA., at St. James Hospital, God dispatched His Heavenly Angels to call Joseph Smith, Jr. to his eternal home. He was born 10 October 1961 to the parentage of Reverend Dr. Joseph Smith, Sr. and the late Jessie Mae Williams-Smith of Reserve, LA. He was the eldest son born to that union. Joseph, Jr. was reared in a home by God-fearing parents and loved by family and friends. He would help in any way and did whatever was needed with much kindness, joy, and laughter. 

Being reared in a Christian home, Joseph, Jr. accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at a young age. He was baptized by the late Reverend James Robinson and Reverend. Joseph Smith Sr., the Pastor of Rescue Mission Baptist Church of Reserve, LA. He served as a choir member and drummer. Joseph, Jr. graduated from East St. John High School in the year of 1980. He attended River Parish Community College studying Instrument Technology.

He leaves to cherish his fondest memories to a loving wife, Joyce Wiggins Smith of Lutcher, LA, whom he married on 9 April 2010; two beloved sons Chad(Alicia) Smith of LaPlace, LA., Kereck Curley of Prairieville, LA. Seven cherished stepchildren: Paula Wiggins, Caron Wiggins,  and Kerry Wiggins of Lutcher, LA., Duval(Nadia) Wiggins of Gonzales, LA. Mandella Wiggins of Lutcher, LA., Tyronika(Rashaud) of St. Gabriel, LA, Narshan Honors of Lutcher, LA.  twelve grandchildren: Destiny Smith, Chad Smith, Jr., Chaze Smith, Cherish Jones, Amari Coleman, Kerigan Williams, Kereck Curley, Jr., Artrez Acevedo, Edison Wiggins, E’Quan Wiggins, Kendrick Jones, Jr, and Christian Wiggins. Two great-grandchildren Brooklyn Webb, and Breu Jones. His father, Reverend Dr. Jospeh Smith, Sr. of Reserve, LA.  Four siblings Dimirtria R. Smith of Baton Rouge, LA., Parnell (Charlotte) Smith of Gonzales, LA., Zina (Santallis) Magee and Kevin (Quinncena) Smith of LaPlace, LA., God-Sister Anita Augustus of Baton Rouge, LA.

Thirteen Brothers and Sisters- In Law: Lloyd(Juanita) Wiggins of Paulina, LA., James Wiggins and  Donna(Craig) Long of Lutcher, LA., Octavia(Brian) Turner of Paulina, LA., Kyla(Gilbert) Foley of Lutcher, LA., Tiny Hunter of Dallas, Texas, Trineka Lawrench of LaPlace, LA., Kataisha Lawrence of Gonzales, LA., Anika Jackson of Norco, LA., LaShawna Lawrence and Jermeryl Lawrence of Gramercy, LA., Charles( Tausha) Hoyal of Lutcher, LA., Jeana(Melvin) Batiste of Reserve, LA., his Godparents Linda Love of Reserve, LA. and Matthew Williams of Laplace, LA. , two Godchildren, Tyris R. Smith and Kobi Smith; six aunts and four uncles. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Mae W. Smith, his sister Miriam Smith-Veal and his nephew Dorian A. Veal.

Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, Officers and Members of New Rescue Mission Baptist Church and all neighboring churches are invited to the Celebration of Life at 10:00am on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at New Rescue Mission Baptist Church, 361 E. 14th Street, Reserve, LA  70084. Rev. Devin Mason-Host Pastor, Rev. Dr. Joseph Smith, Sr.-Officiating.  Visitation 8:00 am until time of service at the above-named church.  Interment Weston Cemetery, Lutcher, LA.  Final Arrangements Entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home, 605 Main Street, Laplace, LA  70068.  985-359-1919.  “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission”.

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