Deacon Charles Smith, Jr. age sixty-six, affectionately known as “Junie” transitioned peacefully from this earthly tabernacle to his eternal home on Saturday, May 2, 2020. He was born on April 21, 1954 in New Haven, CT. He is the eldest son of the late Bishop Charles Smith, Sr. and Dr. Zettie B. Smith. He was educated in the New Haven public school system, and in 1972 graduated from Wilbur Cross High School. Charles continued his education with post graduate studies at Southern Connecticut State University.

On July 13, 1985 he married the love of his life, Bettie L. Powell Smith and to this union they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Anita L. Smith who was his pride and joy.

He was a former employee of Stop and Shop, Child World Inc., John Hancock Financial Services, Howard Johnson, and a long-time manager for the Choice Hotel Chain.

He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He was a faithful member of Morning Star Church, New Haven, CT for 57 years under the leadership of his father, the late Bishop Charles Smith, Sr. and present Pastor, Apostle Vincent L. Smith (brother), where he served as Deacon for 50 years. He also served as the Sunday School Superintendent, Bible and Sunday School Teacher, Director and Founder of Morning Star Mass Choir with whom he won numerous trophies, banners, and awards such as best dressed, best singing, best organized, and best Director, Director and President of the Morning Star Young Adult Choir, Morning Star Male Chorus, Men’s Ministry Activity Director, Director of the Newhallville Community Choir, Member of the Unified Freewill Baptist Churches, Past Vice President of the UFWB YPCL Convention, President and Director of the UFWB Southern CT Annual Conference Choir, Member of the National UFWB Churches, Inc., Member of the Freewill Holiness Churches, Inc., an over 35 year member of the Thomas A. Dorsey National Convention of Gospel Choirs & Choruses and a past Vice President of the Greater CT Chapter of the NCGCC.

Many were blessed by his hands as he was a wonderful cook who catered many events in addition to being Morning Star’s main cook.  He loved cooking, entertaining, and often served people from his home. Some of his best dishes were his chopped barbeque (pork and turkey), sausage and rice, banana pudding, and his Christmas cake.  He was also known for his sense of humor which he shared with close family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Anita L. Smith Bridgeport, CT (Mother, Bettie L. Smith Bridgeport, CT), Two brothers, Deacon Samuel Smith (Pastor Ophelia) New Haven, CT, Apostle Vincent Smith (Pastor Yvette) New Haven, CT, four sisters, Doretha Byrams Hampton, VA, Edith Fortes (Stephan) New Haven, CT, Evang. Carole Annette Smith Whiteville, NC, and Vivian Dildy Hamden, CT. Three Godchildren, Pastor Gregory Roberts (Dr. Nikki) of Marietta, GA, Minister Richelle Frasier Georgetown, SC, & Jason Murphy Baltimore, MD. Best Friends, Apostle Richard Frasier Georgetown, SC, Bishop Milton Hines Dortch Brooklyn, NY, Apostle Phyllis Cameron Henry, Detroit, MI & Raymond Baker of Fayetteville, NC.  His last surviving Aunt, Edythe Bryant (Henry) Hamden, CT, and Great Aunt, Mattie Smith, North Haven, CT and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Please Email [email protected] or call 475-422-5569 for more inofrmation. 

For cash app donations in honor of his memory please send to his daughter at $AnitaHeartsYou .