Joseph Zulu Smith, Jr. passed away on August 15, 2026, at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Joe was born in Cleveland, OH, on August 22, 1964, to the late Lois H. Andrews and Joseph Z. Smith, Sr.

Joe grew up surrounded by a large and loving family and lots of friends. He excelled academically and athletically, earning himself a place in the A Better Chance Program, which placed him at Andover High School. There, he was matched with an incredible host family, George and the late Margot Bixby. He remained a part of the extended Bixby clan for his entire life.

Charming and outgoing, always with a smile, he was elected President of the Andover High School Class of 1982. Upon graduation, he headed back to Ohio, to Oberlin College, where, yet again, he made a big splash. As editor of the Black student yearbook, Eclipse, Joe was always with his beloved camera and was known for his iconic photos documenting the everyday lives of Oberlin students. He was a big brother and mentor to many at Oberlin.

At the beginning of his second year at Oberlin, Joe met Lisa Foster, who would later become his wife. After graduating with a degree in Government, Joe sold insurance for a while before settling into a career as a network engineer.

Joe could talk to anyone about anything, and everyone who met him instantly liked him. He would sometimes approach people he didn’t actually know and start talking to them like he did. It was so fun to watch people frantically trying to figure out how they knew him.

Joe had an incredibly kind heart and was devoted to family. Joe and Lisa temporarily housed many family members and friends at their house over the years. Joe was proudest of his and Lisa’s four children: Adam (Gina), Marcus (Melisa), Maya, and Xavier. He was a giant personality, and his loss will leave a huge void in the lives of many.

Although Lisa and Joe eventually divorced, they remain tied together forever due to their decades of love and their amazing children.

In addition to Lisa and their children, Joe is survived by a son, Cameron Alderman, and by his sister, Francine (Gregory); brothers, Maurice, Eddie (Suzette), David, and Dion; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other relatives. Joe was especially close to his beloved cousin, Tim.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Columbus and Robbie; and sisters, Debora and Jeanne.

The family is grateful to the staff at Southwest General in Middleburg Heights, who took good care of him in his final days.

For those who wish to do so, you could consider a gift in his honor to the Andover A Better Chance Program:

A Better Chance of Andover
Attention: Treasurer/Executive
PO Box 212
Andover, MA 01810-0004