Jewel Lavander Smith

Jewel Lavander Smith, 84, passed away June 06, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at his home Lumberton. He was born on August 19, 1938 at the family home outside Poplarville, the third of five children to Lawrence Hurley and Melvina (Lee) Smith. He grew up in the White Sand community of Pearl River county where he loved fishing and the country life. His family had a small farm where they raised chickens, hogs and other animals, grew their gardens and other crops for the animals. Jewel dropped out of school in the eighth grade to work and help the family, so his siblings could go to school. He got a job in the shipping department at Movie Star, which transitioned into driving and making deliveries as soon as he got his license. He went on a blind date with one of his friends, and met Catherine Knue. Jewel asked her for a second date the following Friday, which she agreed to and the rest, as they say, is history. They were married September 19, 1959 in Lumberton and made their home in White Sand for a while. The young couple eventually made their way to Lumberton and have called it home since, living, working, and raising their children there. Jewel joined the MS Army National Guard and served for twelve years or so before his honorable discharge, being activated once along the way. He continued working as a commercial driver and eventually went to work hauling for Little Debbie. For 19 years, Jewel hauled those snack cakes and goodies all over the Eastern half of the country until his retirement in 1996. Though he continued to work some, he bought himself a boat to satisfy his fishing habit. Jewel loved salt water fishing, so he and Janie would take their cabin cruiser out as often as possible. They would stay two, three, sometimes as long as four days out in the Gulf, just fishing and enjoying life. Family, friends, and of course the grandkids were always welcome aboard, and were usually there with them. He is remembered as a wonderful husband and devoted family man. Now those that really knew Jewel understood that he loved to talk to people. He could talk to literally anyone, and if you sat long enough, you might even find some kinship as well. A hard-working provider for his family, he will be forever missed by all whose life he touched. Jewel was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Melvina Smith, his brothers Johnnie, Charlie, and Donald Smith, one sister, Edith McAndrews, and a grandson, Kody Smith. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of over sixty-three years, Catherine; their daughter Jackie (Kent) Hart of Lumberton, and son Brad (Jill) Smith of Bardstown, KY; his sister-in-law, Alice Michael, and his faithful pit bull companion, "Link". Jewel leaves a legacy of six grandchildren: Wayne Smith, Octavias (Shaun) Gray, Kenneth (Chandra) Hart, Jr., Jennifer (Lee) Jackson, Katie (Chris) Dillander, and Karrie (Lucas) Smith, with ten great-grands: Takia, Takhyris, Tashaun, Saniya, Gabby, Alexis, O.B., Third, Oakland, and Brycen, along with numerous extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 9th, 2023 at Trinity Funeral Services in Lumberton. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM, with the Rosary recited at 10:00. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM, with Rev. Blain Graham and Father Michael Maniscalco officiating. Afterward, Jewel will be laid to rest with military honors, in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Smith family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.