Lester E. Smith Sr.

Lester Emory Smith, Sr. was born to Chandler and Elizabeth F. Smith on October 21, 1943 in Wilmington, Delaware. Lester passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Lester graduated from Brown Vocational Technical High School; becoming the first African American apprentice with DuPont in the Electrical Department where he learned many of his skills. Lester met a beautiful woman at Hershey Park - Vernette (Sheena) Wright - and married her on June 24, 1967. Together, they raised four hard-working and devoted children. Lester worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local #313. He had a vast range of knowledge, outstanding skill, and a strong work ethic. As a Foreman, he ran numerous large-scale construction projects. As a Master Electrician, Lester owned and operated L.E.S. and Sons, Inc. for many years. Over the years, he mentored many skilled and non-skilled workers both secularly and on theocratic projects. People loved to work with Lester. Not only was he an astounding source of knowledge, he offered it with patience and kindness. In fact, many of the people Lester worked with felt comfortable calling him “Pop”. Lester dedicated his life to Jehovah, becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 16, 1971 at Veterans Stadium. In each congregation where he served, Lester was deeply loved and respected. He always worked hard in service to the friends, in the ministry and on theocratic building projects. Since it was formed, he attended the North New Castle Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Over the years, Lester and Sheena assisted many others to build their own relationship with Jehovah — thus becoming their spiritual brothers and sisters. Indeed, these friends were adopted as Lester and Sheena’s spiritual children. Lester had an enduring love and faith in Jehovah. He was a devoted husband and loving father. Together, Lester and Sheena created a wholesome and vibrant environment for their children. Lester was delighted to hear the good reports from others about the fine reputation of all his children. For this, he always gave credit to Jehovah and to Bible-based training. (The D.I.N. paddle played a small role as well.) Lester’s influence and impact on people is notable. He was down-to-earth with a great sense of humor and lots of heart. He was a lot of things to a lot of people. He was a Husband. He was a Pop or Pop Pop, your Brother, your Uncle, trusted Friend and Confidant, a Consultant, General Contractor, On-Call Electrician, Emergency contact... the list goes on. He always made himself available to help. Lester enjoyed listening to jazz and was a talented musician - he played the trumpet. He instilled the same love for playing music in his children. In recent years, Lester also took to biking. Oh, how he loved to go biking on the scenic Delaware bike trails. Lester’s power-assisted recumbent always caught the admiring attention of passersby. There was no terrain he could not traverse. Lester is survived by his wife, Vernette, his sons: Lester E. Smith, Jr (Malina), Christopher E. Smith (Silvia), Brian E. Smith (Jenine); and his “Princess”, Lynette E. Smith; grandchildren: Lester “Tré” E. Smith, III, Sydney L. Gelinas (Connor), Ean R. Lewis (Danielle), Evan M. Smith, Xavier M. Smith; brother, Chandler Smith; sister, Bertha Smith (Ronald); and devoted nieces, Linda M. Smith (Will) and Rhonice M. A. Burnett (Arthur). The family wants to express sincere gratitude for the large-hearted generosity of our friends and family. The food (so much good food), the flowers, the hugs, and the sharing of stories that made us laugh until we cried. We can’t do this without you all. All of us had our own unique relationship with Lester. As we all heal, let’s remember the good times with him and his fine example. Don't forget to hug one another, the way he hugged all of us. Please remember that in one way or another he cared about each and every one of us. Most importantly, as we approach the end of this system of things, let’s be sure to take it "one day at a time" — just like he did. Services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 3 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3011 N. Heald Street, Wilmington, DE 19802 ( Zoom Meeting ID: 848 4648 6686 Passcode: 111111). For directions or to send online condolences please visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Lester E. Smith Sr.

October 21, 1943 - September 8, 2022

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