Emery James Smith Sr.

At Home with Jesus.

We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2nd Corinthians 5:8

Emery James Smith Sr. was born at Kaiser Permanente Hospital on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles Ca, or February 15th 1961 to Howard James Smith Jr, and Joyce Batiste-Smith.

At ages 3-7 he lived with his aunt Catherine in Louisiana. He also lived with his stepmother Cleo Smith in San Jose California where he ran track in middle and high school.

He attended Los Angeles High School. Emery was an avid cyclist.

Emery accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and savior many years ago and has survived as a paraplegic after an act of violence in 1989.

Emery was well-known for his jovial personality and his ability to make others laugh. He had a natural talent for storytelling and was always ready with a joke or a funny anecdote. Emery's love for laughter and fun was infectious, and his presence always brightened the room.

Emery is survived by his parents, mother Joyce Batiste-Jones, step-mother Cleo Smith, father Howard Smith, and step-father John Thompson. Emery also leaves behind a son, Emery (E.J.) Smith Jr., a daughter-in-law Kelly Smith, a grandson Emery Smith III and a granddaughter Lillian Smith.

Emery is also survived by his sisters Natasha Smith, and Rosalind Shapiro and her husband Jacob.

He will be missed by his surviving aunts; Jeraldine Batiste-Roquemore, Cheryle Batiste, and Linda Grady as well as the cousins and relatives that he grew up with including; Rene Batiste, Andre Batiste, Pandora Batiste-Beaman, Jackie Sanders-Batiste, Don Miguel Batiste, Lynn G. Madere, Lee G. Madere, and Tricia Hudson-Nieves.

As we remember the life of Emery James Smith Sr., we celebrate a man who was truly one of a kind. His faith, laughter, and love for life will be deeply missed, but the memories and joy he brought to those around him will remain. Emery's life was a testament to the power of faith, the importance of laughter, and the beauty of living each day to the fullest. May his spirit continue to inspire and uplift all who knew and loved him.