Obituary of Wendell Smith, Sr

Wendell James Smith was born on July 5,1967 to the late Roslyn V. Bates & the late Wendell E. Smith Sr. Wendell was educated in the Philadelphia School District. In Wendell’s younger years he would often help his mother (Aunt Roz to all) at her daycare in her home and at the daycare at their family church First Morning Star in Germantown. Later Wendell went to Job Corp where he graduated in 1984. While in Job Corp he met his first love Linda Lewis and the two got married in 1986 and from this union their daughter Lateres Smith was born. Often called Dell or Wen (Wendell) moved back to Philadelphia where he held many jobs. Wendell drove celebrities for a living from city to state in various types of limousines. Wendell also worked as security guards & at Brown’s Shoprite with his cousins Donnell & Shawn. Wendell worked more jobs than we can count. Wendell at an early age loved spending time with “his boys” Moo, Shawn & Don and as they got older, they would still be found together. The four boys would be found over each other’s home laughing and listening to music talking about old times. Wendell would often visit his aunt Mary and his cousin Rhawn Jackson. When anyone looked for Wendell, they could find him at his aunt Jul’s almost daily chilling with his uncle Clark. Wendell loved watching sports with Uncle Clark. Later Wendell married Ronnell on January 25,2003 and from this union Wendell had his only son Wendell Jr (Buddah) on December 25, 2003. Wendell had a passion for animals, cars, sneakers and sports. Wendell loved to work so he could buy the latest video games. Wendell would be glued to the TV playing his PS5. On Tuesday July 2,2024 Wendell left heart broken his children; Lateres & Wendell Smith Jr, Tashiana Gaines, His sisters Sonya Sahou, Jacqueline Smith and his brothers Wendell, James and Michael Smith. His aunts Ann Rister, Janice Gary, Julia Clark (uncle Clarence Clark), Geraldine Griffin, his uncle Frank Leaphart (Lorrie), grandchildren, nieces & nephews, his sister - cousin Kim Griffin & his brother / cousin Rhawn Jackson. His special friend Brenda and a host of cousins and other extended family and friends. Wendell was preceded in death by his mother & Father Roslyn & Wendell Smith. His grandparents Frances and Roger Bates & his grandmother Mable Smith. His Aunt & Uncle Minne and Rev. Luther Pugh, uncle Rev. Lonnie Pugh. His aunt Mary Bates, aunt Joyce Stephens and his aunt Vanessa Smith. His uncle Jerome Smith, Uncles Joseph and Rev. James Leaphart. Brothers/Cousins Charles, Donnell & Shawn Bates, cousins Rev. Shelley Leaphart Williams & Monica Wiggins.