Lovelle Smith also known as Sonny was born on October 27, 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of Levelle Sr. and Fannie Mae Smith. From that union he was the youngest of six children. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from Shaw High School in 1965.

While attending school he ran track and played various sports. Lovelle also loved music and loved to sing and dance. In 1968, Lovelle joined the Merchant Marines and was an excellent swimmer. He worked for Ford Motor Company as a Foreman and retired after 30 plus years.

Lovelle was a man of great wisdom who spoke in riddles. For example, his favorite line was “Back to the ranch with the white Pickett fence.” In other words, back to reality. Another one of his favorite lines that he would ask his kids was “What’s the most important word in the dictionary?” And we would reply, “Mine, and spell it out M I N E!” Which simply meant to take care of yourself and all that concerns you first.

He was loving, kind and a supportive Father. Lovelle was preceded in death by Levell Smith Sr. (Father), Fannie Mae Smith (Mother), his sister’s Leola Riddle, Ida Kennebrew and Gloria Bailey .

Lovelle leaves to cherish his memory his four daughters Sonya Brittain, Latoya Tatum, Lavette Cogburn-Winston (Carl) and Juana Wright. Seven grandchildren; E’mauri Flowers, McChaytlin Crawford, Hayven Crawford, Morgan Tatum, Damon Tatum Jr., Frederick Wright II and Ja’Juan Wright. Four great grandchildren; Brandon Greene Jr., Kyng Wright, Caliah Wright and Arianna Wright; Loving sister and brother Dorothy L. Smith-Sears and Joseph C. Smith (Dawn); And a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.