His Life and Legacy

 A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother, Herbert Houston Smith lived a life spanning nearly 97 years. His journey was one of family, faith, service, hard work, and love. Born on December 5, 1929, he was one of 15 children and the 11th child born to his nurturing parents, Berkeley James Smith Sr. and Elizabeth Jackson Carter Smith, who preceded him in death.

 Education and Military Service

He received his high school education at Bluestone High School in Bramwell, West Virginia. In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1953.

 His Journey to New York

In 1953, he moved to Harlem, New York. He later settled in Corona, Queens, where he established his home and built a life surrounded by family, faith, and community.

 Career and Dedication

He began his professional career as a nurse's aide at Goldwater Memorial Hospital, later becoming a transport escort. Through dedication and hard work, he faithfully served at Goldwater Memorial Hospital for more than 30 years before retiring. 

Faith, Fellowship, and Love of Music

His faith was an important part of his life. He was baptized at Pilgram Baptist Church School in Crystal, West Virginia. He later became an active and devoted member of Corona Congregational Church, where he served on the Trustee Board and shared his love of music as a member of both the Gospel Choir and the Chancel Choir. 

Singing brought him great joy. He also sang with the men's group, C.E.C.A., enjoying fellowship and sharing his gift of song with others. His love for singing was a beautiful expression of his faith and spirit. 

Marriage and Family

On June 29, 1961, he joined in holy matrimony with his beloved wife, Carrie Beatrice Driver Smith. Together, they welcomed four daughters: Rosalind, Norma, Yvette, and Jacqueline. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughters, Rosalind Denise Smith-Bellamy and Norma Teresa Smith Ellis, as well as his sons-in-law, Al Joseph Bellamy and Jamel Steven Leavy. 

His Favorite Pastimes and Cherished Memories 

Herbert enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially watching his favorite sports from his special spot on the couch. Even while enjoying his favorite games, he made sure to lift his weights, taking pride in staying strong, active, and in shape. 

Family, friends, and neighbors always knew when Herbert was in the neighborhood because he loved to whistle as he walked along the streets. His familiar whistle became one of his most recognizable trademarks. 

For his children and grandchildren, some of their fondest childhood memories were hearing that familiar whistle coming down the street. They knew exactly what it meant: Grandpa was on his way, and he had stopped at the store to bring them treats! He always seemed to bring a little something to make everyone smile. 

That unmistakable whistle, the anticipation of seeing him walk through the door, and the excitement of receiving those special treats are memories that will forever bring smiles to the faces of those who loved him. It was his own special way of showing love, and it is a sound his family will carry in their hearts forever. 

Those Who Preceded Him in Death

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Berkeley James Smith Sr. and Elizabeth Jackson Carter Smith. Five brothers preceded him in death: Berkeley James Smith Jr., Lawrence Washington Smith, Ernest Ellsworth Smith, and two infant brothers, Robert and Theodore. Seven sisters also preceded him in death: Hazel Gertrude Reynolds Erwin, Avanah Hicks Patterson, Clara Evelyn Taylor, Naomi Samantha Day, Synetha Sally Belle Ferguson, Alice Victoria Ferguson, and Helen Joyce Maynard. 

Those Left to Cherish His Memory

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Carrie Beatrice Driver Smith, and his two surviving daughters, Yvette Ramona Smith and Jacqueline Ann Leavy. He also leaves his surviving son-in-law, Garth Ellis, husband of his late daughter, Norma Teresa Smith Ellis. He leaves six cherished grandchildren: Charine Bellamy-Desrosiers (grandson-in-law, Jeffrey Desrosiers), Brandi, Takiema Bellamy- Thompson(grandson-in-law, Joel Thompson), Jamel Leavy, Justin Leavy, and Jayla Leavy His legacy continues through his six beloved great-grandchildren: Jaymie, Zariya, Jayziea, Jazayya, Summer, and Kai. He also leaves behind two loving siblings, Philip Smith and Marjorie Dickens, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory. 

His Lasting Legacy 

Herbert lived a life marked by faith, family, service, and music. From his beginnings in West Virginia to his years in Harlem and later in Corona, Queens, he created a legacy that reached beyond the places he called home. 

He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother. His dedication to his family, his church, his work, his love of singing, and his enjoyment of life's simple pleasures will forever remain a part of the lives he touched. 

We will remember his familiar whistle echoing down the neighborhood streets, his love of sports, his determination to stay in shape, and the countless ways he showed his family that he cared.

 Though his earthly journey came to an end on October 29, 2026, the memories of his life, the songs he sang, the faith he shared, the whistle that announced his arrival, and the love he gave will continue to live on through generations. 

His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his legacy will live forever in the hearts of those who loved him. 

May he rest in eternal peace.