Milton Smith Jr.

Milton Smith Jr. was born on August 27, 1932 in a small town named Mer Rouge, Louisiana to the union of Lillia (Winston) and Milton Smith Sr. He was one of ten children born to this union, Pearlene, J.D., Lula, Frank "Buddy", Willie Mae, Eula Bea, Ethel Rene, Elaine and Freddie Lee. Milton, better known to family and friends as Junior, accepted Christ by the way of baptism at the early age of 10 years old. As a young adult, Milton devoted his service to the Lord by joining a small group of spiritual singers, St. Matthews Spiritual Quartet, from St. Matthews #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Mer Rouge, LA. At the age of 21, Milton met and fell in love with his beautiful queen, Izora Grant. After a year of courtship, the two made their covenant unto God in the presence of family and friends on a beautiful sunny day, June 12, 1955. To this union a total of nine children were born. To make a better life for his family, Milton relocated his entire family from the small farm lands of Mer Rouge, LA to the bright lights of Chicago, Illinois in the summer of 1964. An avid sport fanatic, Milton loved all forms of sport. Milton's favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm for which he recited throughout the day, and his favorite song was "Jesus is on the Main Line". Milton believed in giving back to others, and with that in mind he faithfully contributed to the Joseph Assignment. Up until the end, Milton continued to praise the Lord in devotions, prayer, bestowing wisdom to his family and giving to others. Milton fought a good fight until the day for which he departed from this earthly realm, which was on the evening of Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 11:11 p.m. with his two daughters at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillia Smith and Milton Smith Sr.; his siblings, Pearlene Smith, J.D. Smith, Lula Kilgore, Frank "Buddy" Smith, Willie Mae Neal, Eula Bea Armstrong and Ethel Rene McCullough; and two children, young son Ricky White and infant son Steven Smith; two infant grandchildren; two infant great grandchildren. Milton is survived by his wife of 61 years, Izora; 10 children, Shirley Hutchinson, Melvin Brandon, Beatrice Larkin, Loreese Smith, Willie O. Smith, Milton Smith III, Undray (Suzanne) Smith, Vellar N. Smith, Bridget D. Smith, Sterling Smith and his youngest who was also his birthday gift from the Lord, Shanette Smith; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two older siblings, Elaine Oliver and Rev. Freddie Lee Smith (Bessie); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Milton Smith Jr.

August 27, 1932 - November 6, 2016