Jerry Lorraine (Simmons) Smith

Jerry Lorraine (Simmons) Smith was born on January 27, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Kathryn Bobbitt and Benson Bobbitt. At an early age, she relocated with her family to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was raised and built a life filled with love, strength, and devotion to family.

Jerry was educated in the Indianapolis Public School System and graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1968. Following high school, she entered the workforce, where her dedication and warm spirit made a lasting impression. Throughout her career, she earned several awards recognizing her outstanding customer service. Most recently, she worked as a Module Operator at the Excel/Walmart Distribution Center, where her work ethic and commitment were greatly valued.

In holy matrimony, Jerry was united in marriage to Edward Aubrey Smith, Jr. From this union, two daughters were born: Kelly (Smith) Gilbert and Shawn Smith. Later, Jerry welcomed her son, Michael Broner, III. Her children were the pride and joy of her life. They cherished time spent with their mother—whether enjoying meals at their favorite restaurants or simply sharing meaningful conversations.

Jerry had a vibrant spirit and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved cooking delicious meals for her family, gathering with loved ones, listening to music, and dancing. Her warmth, laughter, and love created lasting memories for all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kathryn (Simmons) Bobbitt and Benson Bobbitt; her brothers, Charles Simmons and Robert Simmons; and her husband, Edward Aubrey Smith, Jr.

Jerry leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: daughters, Kelly R. (Smith) Gilbert and Shawn A. Smith; and son, Michael A. Broner, III. She is also survived by her brothers, James Warren Simmons, Kwame T. (Joyce) Mumina, Morris Bobbitt, and Bernard Bobbitt; and her sister, Sharon "Bobbitt" (Dexter) Turner.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Irish Martin Gilbert III, Kirisha R. Gilbert, Taylor R. Clark, Michael A. McFarland, Anayia L. McFarland, and Ahvana A. Carter; and her beloved great-grandchildren: Jaida A. Collins, Kinsley M. Collins, and Alaina S. Humphrey. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Jerry’s love, strength, and beautiful spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond
measure.”

Order of Service

• Officiating: Rev. Duane A. Turner

• Musical Prelude – Soft Music

• Processional – Ministers, Family & Friends

• Opening Remarks – Rev. Duane A. Turner

• Prayer of Comfort – Rev. Duane A. Turner

• Scripture Readings – Rev. Duane A. Turner

• Celebration of Song – Soloist: Lessie Bridgeman

• Acknowledgements & Resolutions – Kelly R. (Smith) Gilbert, Shawn A. Smith, Michael A. Broner, III

• Obituary – Read Silently (Soft Music)

• Family Reflections – Irish Martin Gilbert III

• Celebration of Song – Soloist: Lessie Bridgeman

• Words of Comfort – Rev. Duane A. Turner

• Celebration of Song – Musical Selection

• Closing Prayer & Benediction – Rev. Duane A. Turner

• Recessional 

• Burial Service – Crown Hill Cemetery

• Repass – Believers of Faith Baptist Church

Pallbearers

• Irish Gilbert III

• Cameron Cushingberry

• Damon McClain III

• Dexter Turner

• Darren Neely

• Michael Broner Jr. (Mikey)

Flower Bearers

• Kirisha R. Gilbert

• Taylor R. Clark

• Anayia L. McFarland

• Ahvana A. Carter

• Jaida A. Collins

• Kinsley M. Collins

• Alaina S. Humphrey

Psalm 23 (KJV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The family of Jerry Lorraine (Simmons) Smith gratefully acknowledges with sincere appreciation every act of kindness, love, and prayer shown during this time of bereavement. May God richly bless each of you for the love you have shown.