Raymond Smith Jr.

Raymond Smith Jr. was born on February 18, 1935, in Etta, Mississippi, to loving parents, the late John Raymond and Ruth Jimola Smith. He was the first- born of eleven children. He attended Liberty Hill School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Mattie Mae. They both graduated in the class of 1958. A year later, Raymond and Mattie married on June 6, 1959. To this union, six children were born, and they later raised four additional children. In 1960, Raymond relocated to Chicago. He accepted a job at Photo Press in Broadview, Illinois as a maintenance worker and later was promoted to a Binary Press Controller. He continued his education by receiving several trade certifications. Raymond was a hardworking and dedicated man who always arrived one hour before work. After a few years, he transitioned to a new job at International Paper. Though a dedicated man to his career, Raymond remained a faithful man of God. Raymond and Mattie became members of the Greater Bethlehem Healing Temple. In 1972, he completely surrendered his life to God and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. He served on the usher board and was ordained as Deacon Raymond Smith, Jr. That same year, he moved his wife and five children at the time to a beautiful home in Maywood, a suburb right outside of Chicago. For the next 25 years this home would be the host of many visitors, stories and cherished memories. As their children grew up, Mattie and Raymond were led to become foster parents, collectively caring for well over 25 children. Chicago was home but Raymond never forgot about his roots. He helped plan several Smith and Henderson family reunion gatherings in different States. He often traveled back to Etta to visit his siblings. Raymond was the oldest living descendant of the Smith and Henderson family legacy. In June of 2000, Raymond retired from International Paper and relocated his family to Kankakee, Illinois. They became members of House of Prayer Apostolic Church, where he continued to serve as an active Deacon. He never wanted to miss a Sunday service. Raymond loved being a volunteer at Catholic Charities, where he provided excellent care to clients by taking them on walks or simply sitting with them and sharing the word of God. For 17 years Raymond and Mattie were influential volunteers in the Kankakee community. They were both named Volunteer of the Year in The Daily Journal of Kankakee newspaper. The one hobby Raymond loved most was gardening. Every year he would plant and tend to his garden, always sharing his bountiful harvest with friends, neighbors and the community. He lived his life holding God’s promise of eternal life in his heart. Raymond now has everlasting life. Raymond was preceded in death by his siblings, Jesse, Lois Anne, Sallie, and James. Raymond Smith, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at his home. He was surrounded by his family and his wife, Mattie Mae Smith, a beautiful example of the love that defined his life. He was truly a righteous, faithful provider, and loving man. He was an ordained deacon, a pillar in the community, elder volunteer, gardener, dedicated husband, and father. A fighter! A real prayer warrior. His spirit was the very essence of his family’s foundation. Raymond leaves to cherish his amazing legacy: his loving wife Mattie Mae. Children, Raymond Franklin III (Daniel Concepcion), Phyllis Jordan, Cabrini, Yolanda (Antoine) Sharon, April, Draper (preceded in death), Jason, and Ronell. Grandchildren: Destiny Lee, T'ania Jordan, Taylor Smith, Anaiyah Jordan, Myles Parrish, Kaleb Smith, Phillip Jordan, Ronell Smith Jr., Samia Smith, and Liam Smith. Great-grandchildren: Alijah Bradford and Demi Hampton. Siblings: Mattie Holland, Dorothy Clark, Johny Smith (Mable), Jimmy Smith (Jancie), Ruby Kelley, and Huelessie Smith (Janet), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Raymond Smith Jr.

February 18, 1935 - March 2, 2026