Jerome Ephriam Smith

Jerome Ephriam Smith, 70, of New Carrollton, Maryland, passed peacefully Friday March 27, 2026. Jerome was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late William Neal Ephriam Smith Sr., and late Erma Lee Nichols Smith. Jerome bravely and faithfully served our country in the United States Army & Army Reserve, enlisting in 1975. Jerome also worked for the Navy Civil Service until his retirement.

He was a graduate of Lake Taylor High School, Norfolk, VA and a graduate of Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA. After, Jerome spent twenty plus years in U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant.

He was avid reader of Black History and Black Culture and belonged to Norfolk State Alumni Assn. Jerome was also a proud and successful owner of a Home Improvement business. His favorite team was the Pittsburg Steelers, loved watching old western movies, and enjoyed attending sporting, social, and family events.

We will always remember him for his kindness, generosity to his family, friends, and others. Jerome gave so much of his time to youths and students at various age levels. Jerome was predeceased by his wife Joyce V. Smith and his parents Erma L. Smith and William Neal Ephriam Smith, Sr. 

He is survived by his son, Kendall Smith (New Carrollton, MD), step-daughter Tiffany M.N.Wood and her son Deklin C. Wood (Texas), sister Beatrice (Bea) Springs (Norfolk, VA), brother Wm. Neal Smith (New Carrollton, MD), sister Linda Smith (Norfolk, VA), brother Samuel (Sam) Smith (Norfolk, VA) and host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to gather Thursday, April 9th, 2026, from 4pm-8pm at Lee Funeral Home, Inc., Clinton, Maryland, and again Friday, April 10th, 2026, from 10am with funeral services beginning at 11am. Burial will take place at Maryland Veterans Cemetery Cheltenham at a later date.