Jerrell Winfred Smith was born on June 20, 1953, in Pomona, California, to Patricia Simmons and James Smith. He was the baby of three children and was also raised alongside three step-siblings. Jerrell, affectionately known as “JW” attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Fremont Junior High School, and Garey High School, where his strong work ethic, creativity, and love for handson learning first emerged.While attending Garey High School, Jerrell participated in the Auto Shop program, which led to a field trip to the Pomona Dragstrip. During that visit, Steve Gibbs, NHRA Competition Director, selected JW to join the NHRA Winternationals race crew. In doing so, Jerrell became the first Black employee at the Pomona track. He cherished the camaraderie of the team and took great pride in preparing the track for one of motorsports’ most prestigious events. Though he loved the speed, noise, and excitement of racing, Jerrell ultimately chose to leave NHRA to focus on football.Jerrell attended Long Beach State University beginning in the spring of 1974 and played football during the 1975 and 1976 seasons. He was a starter both years and earned All-Conference honors, demonstrating discipline, strength, and leadership that would define much of his life. His love for the game extended well beyond his playing years, as Jerrell later coached both high school and college-level football. He took great pride in mentoring young men, investing in their growth on and off the field, and encouraging them to strive for excellence, character, and integrity.Jerrell was the proud father of Dominic Smith, Krishna Smith(Worrell), and Robert Maxwell, with Rachel George. In 1980, he married Pamela Rayburn. Together, Jerrell and Pamela welcomed Jason and Michele Smith, and raised their blended family with love, stability, and devotion.In the early 1980s, Jerrell joined the Long Beach Jaycees, a national organization dedicated to leadership development and community service. At the time, the Long Beach chapter was one of the largest in the nation, and Jerrell quickly became a bright light within the organization. Known for his warmth, confidence, and unmistakable smile, JW seemed to know everyone in the community. He had a unique ability to bring people together, connecting the Jaycees with politicians, business leaders, athletes, local chefs, and community members from all walks of life.Jerrell’s larger-than-life personality and sense of humor shone during the annual Long Beach Jaycees’ Roast of City Officials, where his unforgettable performance as “Mr. T” became a fan favorite for many years. His wit and charm kept audiences laughing while playfully reminding local leaders not to take themselves too seriously.In recognition of his exceptional leadership and service, Jerrell was awarded a Long Beach Jaycees Life Membership in 1986 by the chapter president. It was an honor granted to only one member each year from among more than 100 members. Though many stories of JW’s impact within the Jaycees remain untold, they are fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.Jerrell Smith’s Journey
Professionally, Jerrell built a successful career in finance and automotive sales. In the late 1980s, he worked at 1st Security Savings before founding Seaside Home Loan with his wife and family, and later partnering in business with his best friend, Glen Tenove, in 1988. From 2006 to 2012, Jerrell served in two roles at the Tuttle-Click Automotive Group as Director of Outside Commercial Sales and Commercial Vehicle Service Contracts Sales Manager, where he thrived in developing creative marketing strategies and innovative aftermarket products.In 2012, the same year he was diagnosed with cancer, Jerrell began powerlifting with the Grandpa Power Team, a group ranging in age from 60 into their 80s. Though health challenges limited his competitions, Jerrell achieved remarkable success. He won in his class, surpassing his goal, and setting a California record by bench-pressing over 300 pounds at more than 60 years old with a body weight of 220 pounds. It was a testament to his perseverance and indomitable spirit.In 2018, Jerrell met Allyson Brown (Smith), and they were married in August 2022. Together, they built a life filled with faith, service, and joy in the everyday moments. Jerrell had a deep love for jazz and faithfully attended the Hyatt Newport Beach Subaru Summer Concert Series, where he delighted in hosting friends and family year after year. He and Allyson cherished time spent at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, often picnicking or simply enjoying the sunshine and sweeping ocean views. One especially meaningful day in 2018, Jerrell sat overlooking the ocean and was moved to tears, very grateful after a long season of physical hardship to experience such beauty and freedom again. It was a moment of profound blessing and faith.Jerrell loved gathering people. Whether at restaurants, where his warm and gregarious nature often led to new friendships, special seating, or unexpected generosity, or at home by the koi pond, where evenings were spent listening to jazz, building fires, sharing conversation, and occasionally enjoying a cigar with friends. Music was central to his life, and he especially loved playing his conga drums, which he played faithfully for many years at his church.Jerrell also had a passion for roasting coffee. He carefully selected beans, consulted distributors, perfected his blends, and shared generously. He would gift freshly roasted coffee, along with French presses and grinders to staff at his dialysis center. Each morning, he lovingly prepared Allyson a latte before they watched a devotional together. Jerrell would read and study the Scripture, sharing what stood out to him. His faith was not spoken lightly, it was lived daily through service, humility, and devotion.That servant’s heart extended beyond his home. After years of Allyson serving at the LOTS homeless ministry, Jerrell joined her, even before they were married. In one quiet but powerful act of generosity, Jerrell noticed a return bin while shopping at Road Runner Sports. He asked to speak with the manager and successfully arranged the donation of 25–30 pairs of sneakers. He delivered them, along with socks to LOTS. This was the beginning of what became his own “sneaker ministry.” Jerrell continued collecting and donating shoes for those in need, planning future deliveries with care. Even in declining health, his focus remained on serving others.Jerrell was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorsey and Lora Mae Wyatt; his parents, Patricia Simmons and James Smith; his siblings, Beverly Simmons and Novella Howard; and his daughter, Michele Smith.He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Allyson Brown (Smith); siblings, Vicci Smith (Price), Kofi Smith, Chedgzsey Smith (McKeever), Haru Smith (Lindsey); his children, Robert Maxwell, Dominic Smith, Krishna Smith (Worrell), and Jason Smith; his grandchildren, Arianna Worrell, Zion Worrell, Akia Maxwell, Amya Maxwell, Alyia Maxwell, Braydon Smith, Brooklyn Smith, and Myles Smith; and his great-grandchildren, Zora Chetverikoff and Easton Davila.Jerrell Winfred Smith will be remembered for his strength, faith, generosity, creativity, and unwavering love for family and community. He lived a life of service and grace, leaving a legacy that continues in every life he touched.
Prelude..................................................Organist Jason FreemanProcessional.........................Seating of clergy, guests, and familyOpening Prayer.................................................Elder Tony Peevy Favored Readings...Ecclesiasties 3:1-8...2Corinthians 4:17-18Elder Tony Peevy Song of Remembrance.................................I Can Only Imagine Keisha MorganAcknowledgements and Resolution..................Arianna WorrellTributes............(2-3 minute each)...........................Glen Tenove Best Friend Ephriam Turner Childhood Friend Alyia Maxwell Granddaughter The Final Bench Press.........................................Brooklyn SmithObituary...............................................................Linda McKrayVisual TributeSong of Remembrance.............................It Is Well With My Soul Keisha MorganWords of Comfort......................................................Elder TobinClosing BlessingRecessionalMatthew 22:37-38Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commment.”Order Of Service
Krishna WorrellI’ll always remember my dad’s infectious smile and his unbelievable strength. He was the strongest man I’ve ever known—not just physically, but in spirit. He pushed through life’s hardest moments without ever complaining and carried a heart full of forgiveness and grace. He instilled values in me that I will carry for the rest of my life. Those lessons shaped me, grounded me, and helped mold me into the person and the mom I am today. Forever grateful. Forever your daughter. Coach “MAC” Ron Mc BrideJerrell was a true M.A.F.U. man. Mental toughness - to be a great finisher. Attitude - he loved the physical part of football. Fanatical effort - displayed in his practice and preparation habits. Unity - well respected team mate. Jerrell was a true player in all aspects. JW and myself have continued unity since 1975 through every situation = good or bad. We were together or talked at least once a week. Love you JW. I will miss you. Thank you for being you. MacGlen Thackery: Commercial Fleet Manager (Retired)JW’s fearless approach to outside marketing, and his outgoing and friendly personality, made us #1 in the region. Love you JW. Proud to be your friend.Allyson Smith Over the last number of years, JW’s physical and medical challenges imposed many limits on his life, but his love for God was without limits, as was his love for family, friends and strangers.It was a gift from God and my honor to know, love and serve JW, and to be known, loved and served by him. Thank you, my love, for the best 8 years of my life, AllyVicky McBrideJerrell was like a son to me. He called me mom from the day I met him. I would help him with his homework and he so appreciated it. He talked about that for the rest of his life and thanked me again and again. I will always remember him smiling and laughing and hugging me. There is no doubt he was family to us, for 50 years. Zion WorrellI’ll always remember and admire my PoPo’s strength and how he never gave up. I loved his passion for football and the times we spent playing drums together. Thank you for teaching me many lessons about life. I’ll carry your strength and your love with me forever. Z-ManTributes From Family And Friends
Acknowledgment“Even in sorrow, gratitude reminds us of God’s goodness and the blessing of those who surround us.” On behalf of the Smith family we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, love, support, and care shown to us during our most difficult days. Every expression of kindness—your words of sympathy, cards, shared memories, and presence—has brought comfort and strength to our family. May the Lord bless you, keep you, and surround you with His perfect peace.-The Smith FamilyPall BearersDominic SmithLevar WorrellJason SmithRobert MaxwellGlen TenoveJoshua TenoveHonorary PallbearersKelly WyattGregory WyattDr. Joe HigginsBraydon SmithZion WorrellMike MartinMichael WillisThe Final Bench PressThe weight is finally lifted,The heavy plates set down.The lineman takes his jersey off,And trades it for a crown.He leaves behind the world’s demands,For the quiet, worshipful air,Jerrell has found the peace of God,Beyond all earthly care.He left his strength in every heart,His rhythm in the drum,He served the Lord with all he had,Until the call said, “Come.”No more pain and no more fight,Just the ocean view and the endless light.IntermentPomona Cemetery502 E Franklin Ave, Pomona Ca 91767Gatering of Family and Friend’sCoco Palm Restaurant2:00 pm @ 1600 Fairview Dr. Pomona Ca 91768