Mr. Jerry Vance Smith, Sr.

Jerry Vance Smith, Sr. was born May 23, 1956, in Hamtramck Michigan to Christine and Percy Holmes. Although Jerry did not attend church often, he held Christ in his heart. He would often study the Bible. He was educated in both Hamtramck, Michigan and Brandon, Mississippi public schools. Jerry met Glenice Pride in 1980 in Detroit Michigan. They were married in 1994 and relocated to Mississippi. From this union, four children were born, Christina, Jennifer (preceded Jerry in death), Jerry, Jr. and Delano. He had eight grandchildren and shared a special bond with them. Jerry was passionate about spending time with grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He always made sure his children kept in touch with family and respected one another. Family principles were very important to him. Jerry was employed at Service Masters for many years and worked as a Roofer with Campbell Roofing company. He was a Jack all of trades. He had many talents and hobbies. Among them were farming, antique cars, cooking, playing pool and singing. When Jerry was younger, he and his brother formed a full neighborhood band, instruments and all. Jerry was the lead singer. He was known to have a really good singing voice, a trait he would obviously pass down to his beloved daughter, Jennifer. He was a music buff and loved all genres of music, but was especially fond of Smokey Robinson and Bobby Womack. He loved farming and would often tell his children they'd better learn to live off the land. He could fix anything and would spend countless hours working on tactors and antique cars. Another pastime of his was shopping, yes shopping! He loved to shop for a good bargain. He would purchase things he had absolutely no need for and would often say: "if not me, somebody can use it" For the past twenty-two years Jerry was the caretaker for his cousin Joseph Holmes, affectionately known as JoJo. Jerry took great pride in caring for JoJo. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Percy and Christine Holmes, brother James "Jimmi" E. Smith and his beloved daughter, Jennifer Pride. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loved wife Glenice Smith of Pearl MS, one daughter, Christina Pride (Lemario Johnson) of Pearl MS, two son, Jerry Smith Jr (Shaneika Silmon) of Arlington TX, and Delano Smith of Arlington TX. Five grandsons, Marquies Fields, Caiden Fields, Lemario Johnson, Jr., Keyonte’ Smith and Khylin Smith. Three granddaughters, Aniyah Simone Pride of Pearl MS. Akyria Smith and Skylar Smith. He also leaves to cherish his memories, his siblings, Percy "Ronnie" Holmes, Sylvester "Gene" Holmes (Miriam), Melvin "Donnie" Holmes (Stephanie), Paul “Kinley” Holmes (Jackie) Danita “Danni" Holmes and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Jerry Vance Smith, Sr.

May 23, 1956 - January 23, 2023