Joseph Smith was born on September 5, 1954, to the proud parents of the late John Oscar & Ruthie Smith in Cleveland, Ohio. Joe is preceded in death by his daughter Jasma Monique Smith and nephew Anthony Finn Smith.

Following in the path of his mother Ruthie, at an early age, Joe accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior. Joe and his twin brothers Ronald and Donald were extremely close growing up in the 76th and Central area of Cleveland’s east side. Joe attended East Technical High School, home of the Scarabs, and was extremely hardworking and athletic. After graduating from high school, Joe continued his education and basketball career by attending Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. It was in these early years that he met the love of his life Dawn at the local YMCA. They later married on April 15, 1977 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The couple settled down in Dublin, Ohio raising three children, Jevonne Nicole, Joseph Da’Jon, and David Jamal (Cruz). Joe was a very devoted and diligent husband who loved and always provided for his family. Joe, who was affectionally called “Juice” by his children, always found time to be there for them, from gymnastics and track meets with his daughter, to coaching basketball, football, and soccer with his sons. He never missed a beat with any activity, practice, or game!

Joe began working for DuPont in various roles in Columbus, Ohio where he made many close friends and acquaintances. After climbing the rankings in DuPont’s Columbus plant, Joe earned a promotion to Division Manager, which resulted in him relocating back to his hometown Cleveland, Ohio. Joe had an amazing career at Dupont, which allowed him to retire at the early age of 50 years old.

After retirement, Joe and his wife started a highly successful early education center called Kiddie Kampus Child Enrichment Center located in Bedford, Ohio. Joe served as the Chief Financial Officer and managed the day-to-day operations of the center for numerous years. Joe was a very strong-willed man who instilled many life lessons and guidance in his children, as well as the children enrolled at Kiddie Kampus. Joe set lofty standards for his family, as he wanted the best for his children and his wife. It is undeniable that Joe was the most compassionate for his grandchildren, Eason and Harlow Smith.

In Joe’s leisure time he enjoyed playing golf, maintaining his cars, traveling, watching movies and commercials, going to concerts, and listening to music; he was an avid jazz and bass guitar fan. In addition, Joe enjoyed both watching and talking about Ohio State Football, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cleveland Guardians.

The Lord called Joe home to rest on April 7, 2024. Joe leaves to cherish his memory his beloved and devoted wife of 47 years Dawn I. Smith, his adoring children Jevonne (Woody), Da’Jon, and Cruz, brothers Ronald and Donald Smith, grandchildren Eason and Harlow, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends that were near and dear to his heart. Joe leaves behind for those who knew and loved him, warm memories, and a gentle spirit, which will remain in our hearts for an eternity.