Obituary of Chester Samuel Smith

Deacon Chester S. Smith, Sr. was born on September 15, 1926 in South Bound Brook, NJ to the late Fred and Grace Smith.

Chester was educated in schools in South Bound Brook, Piscataway, and New Brunswick, NJ. He worked for Triangle Cable of New Brunswick for 24 years as a labor-foreman, and 17 ½ years at AC Delco as a laborer.

Chester was a World War II veteran and served in the Pacific. After his discharge from the Army in 1947, at a singing engagement at Sharon Baptist Church in New Brunswick, NJ, he met, and fell in love with and later married the former Lenora Ford in 1950. To this union was born a son, Chester Smith, Jr., who was better known as “Little Chet”. Little Chet grew and became Rev. Chester Smith, Jr.  at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens.

Deacon Chester Smith was once of the first Deacons ordained by Reverend C.H. Brown, Jr. in 1965. He worked as an advisor to the Junior Church, taught Sunday school for both Juniors and Seniors, and sang (bass/lead) in several church choirs. He also organized a daily hospital visitation program that visited members who were sick and shut-in, in nursing homes, Veteran homes, etc. Deacon Smith loved his work!

Deacon Smith recalled: “I visited the hospital one day before Rev. Brown did. When Rev. Brown arrived, they told him that the Pastor of First Baptist Church had just left. I got a hearty laugh from that. (He smiled). He continued speaking: “Well, I guess you have heard enough about me. Sorry I also sang with the Harmoneers-the second group to sing on WCTC (New Brunswick, NJ). In addition, I sang with these groups: Jubilee Kings (New Brunswick), Carnation Jubilee Singers (South Bound Brook, NJ), Silveraires (Greensboro, NC), and Gospel Stars who are now recording artists.

Deacon Smith was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Rev. Chester Smith Jr., his wife Lenora of over 50 years, his daughter-in-law, Alma Smith, brothers, James, John, Charles, and Raymond, sisters Doris Pope, Lillian, and Shirley Dunn.

Chester leaves to cherish his memory, a sister, Deloris Smith, grandson, Dion Smith Sr. of Winston-Salem, NC, granddaughter, Tamara Smith of New Port Richey, FL, great-grandson Dion Smith Jr. of Maryland, a great-granddaughter, Tamara Laidler of NJ, great-great granddaughter Maliyah Alana Laidler, god-daughter Pam Smith of North Brunswick, NJ, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His presence and blessed bass voice will truly be missed. Earth’s loss is Heaven’s gain! Praise God for a life well-lived.