Jeffery Clayton Smith, Sr. was the second child and oldest son of the late Elder Elmo Smith and Bishop Pauline Walker-Smith. He was born on November 18, 1959, and grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Tuxedo Elementary School, Calloway School, and George Washington Carver High School. He graduated from Carver in 1977.

Jeff exhibited many talents. In 1972, at Calloway School he earned a Recognition Award for outstanding work in writing. Also, because he excelled, he was promoted a grade. In High school he also excelled in football. In 1975 he was selected as an All-Jefferson County Football player.In May 1976 he earned the Athletics Award at Carver High for sportsmanship and teamwork. He received the Achievement Award as Center for the All-Jefferson County Football Team. He earned the 1976 All-Jefferson County Grid Selections.  He earned a Certificate Award as Honor Student in 1977 at Carver High School. In 1977 he received the Certificate of Award for Football from Coach Willie Peake.

Jeff attended Mississippi State Valley University in 1977. The following year he transferred to Alcorn State University. He served as Line Backer for the football team. Jeff pledged Omega Psi Phi Eta Chapter in 1980. Hegraduated with a B.S. in Mathematics in 1982. His football career at Alcorn excelled and he made All State and received various other awards.

While at Alcorn, he was a Brave Rookie of Defense. It was stated that he had outstanding potential, aggressive, tough, smart and a super attitude about the game. It was predicted that "Smith would be one of the stars." He was honored at the Annual All-Sports Banquet. In 1980, he received Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and earned The Letterman Award (sweater). He was the College Top Football Player in 1981. The Player of the Year for 1981. He attended the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the "Super Seven" Annual Press Tour, 1981. He earned the Letterman Award at the Annual Banquet of Champions in 1982. He also received The Jack Spinks Award. He played in the Second Annual Sheridan Black College All-Star Football game in Jackson, Mississippi in January, 1982. Also in 1982, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. However, God had better plans for his life. He was cut from the team and returned to Alabama.

In 1983 he moved to Dahlgren, Virginia to work as a Mathematician for the Government. It was during this time that he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He joined Grace Redemption Church under the late Bishop Willie Roger Logan. Jeff was the Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Eta Chapter at Alcorn State University. However, upon receiving Christ, Jeff realized that his only allegiance was to Jesus Christ, therefore, he denounced all ties and is no longer a member of Omega Psi Phi. He always said it was his relationship with Christ that freed him from the fraternity. He was called to the ministry in 1984. He later relocated to Virginia Beach, VA to pursue a degree in ministry at CBNUniversity (now Regent University).

Jeff worked as a Computer Programmer at Unisys in Norfolk, Virginia. While living in Virginia he met and married the love of his life, Lillie O. Shouse. They married on August 29, 1986, and to this union three children were born: Jeffery, II and, Jessica (Norfolk, VA), and Jonathan(Dallas, TX). They were members of Tidewater Bible Temple (TBT) under the pastorate of Apostle Michael J. Rogers for six years.  Jeff was an associate minister. He also served as Bible Study teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Bus Driver, and Janitor.

In 1991, the Smith family relocated to Dallas, Texas, where Jeff attended Dallas Theological Seminary. Jeff received a Master's in Theology (1995).  Jeff received the JoAnne G. and Robert B. Holland, III Scholarship Award, 1992-1995. While at Seminary he was the first recipient of the coveted Charles Swindoll President Award, 1994. It included $1,000. He was the 1995 recipient of the highest award in homiletics, the H.A. Ironside Award in Expository Preaching.

The family attended Concord Missionary Baptist Church (the late Dr. E.K. Bailey), where Jeff served as an Associate Pastor of Discipleship. He also served with the late Dr. Robert Asberry at Steven Temple C.O.G.I.C. Jeff was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel by various Churchorganizations: Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ World Wide Inc. (Grace Redemption and Tidewater Bible Way Temple (Virginia); Stevens Temple C.O.G.I.C.(Texas); Emmanuel Tabernacle Baptist Church Apostolic Faith (Ohio). He was ordained in 1994 at Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, TX (the late Dr. E.K. Bailey)

Jeff relocated the family to Birmingham, Alabama in 1995 and served as Pastor of Emmanuel Tabernacle Churchunder Bishop Pauline Smith. He also served as Associate Minister at St John AME Church (Dr. Karnie Smith), and True Life Missionary Baptist Church (Reverend Steven Small).

While in Birmingham, Jeff worked at Jackson Olin High as a Mathematics teacher for Birmingham Public Schools(1995 – 2000). He earned the Distinguished Leadership Award in Mathematics & Science, July 11, 1996.

In 2000, Jeff relocated the family to Hampton Virginia to plant Restoration Bible Church. He faithfully pastored for 15 years. Jeff and Lillie then served at the House of Jacob for 2 years (the late Pastor Kim Bondes), where Jeff served as Assistant Pastor. Jeff became known as the "Eulogizer"because he served in whatever capacity he was needed. During the past two years, he served as Overseer for Restoration Bible Ministries in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his family currently are members of Liberty Live Church under Dr. Grant Ethridge, where it's not just church, it's life!

Jeff coached his children's teams for six years of PAA soccer and two years of PAA basketball. PAA stands for Phillips Athletic Association. PAA provides recreational soccer opportunities for both boys and girls at various skill levels. The association offers leagues and programs with the goal of fostering teamwork, cooperation, and positive values in a safe and structured environment. Jeff was very involved in his children's academic education and extracurricular activity. He was also an assistant football coach at Bethel High School, serving with Coach Tracy Parker. Jeff loved sports and enjoyed his time working with students in and out of the classroom.

Jeff taught Mathematics (Geometry and Algebra) for Hampton City Schools for 24 years 2000 – 2025. He served Bethel High (2000-2015), Syms Middle School (2015-2016) Phoebus High (2017-2024), and Kecoughtan High(2024-2025). He taught at Kempsville High for Virginia Beach Public Schools (2016-2017).

During Covid, Jeff began using text messages to minister to others. He faithfully sent out the Word of God. His ministry grew from family members to over 150 persons. It continued to grow even after Covid. People would hear about his text ministry and ask to be put on the list. Jeff did not miss a day and included anyone willing to receiveGod's Word. Jeff also began a morning prayer group at Phoebus High. He would leave home early to meet with those who wanted prayer before the school day begin. These non-traditional ministries had great impact on manypeople.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother Maw Walker; his father Elder Elmo Smith; (2) brothers – Ronald Mason and Otis Charles "Chot" Smith; (1) sister, Paulette Murphy.

He leaves to mourn, Lillie (wife of 39 years); (2) sons, Dr. Jeffery C. Smith, II of Charlottesville, VA, Jonathan Ross Smith of Hampton, VA; (1) daughter, Jessica Natae Smith of Hampton, VA; (1) granddaughter, Desilyn Grace Smith of Richmond, VA.; (1) brother Minister James Smith (Aliya) of Nashville, TN; (3) sisters Shelia Smith and Cheryl Denise "Neecy" Smith of Birmingham, AL, and Marilyn "Matt" McCall (Don) of Trussville, AL and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews & great nieces, cousins and friends.

Affectionately known as "Pops," his favorite scripture: Isaiah 41:10. His favorite songs: Marvelous (late Walter Hawkins) and Going Up Yonder (Tramaine Hawkins).

On Thursday, April 17th during earthly sleep, Jeff transitioned into eternal rest, only to be awakened when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Until that glorious day, Rest in Peace.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Liberty Live Church, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the funeral home. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

The funeral service will be Live Streamed at https://libertylive.church/livestream/

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