Jessie Smith

Jessie Smith, 91, of Sterling, died peacefully at his home, Wednesday, February 19, 2014. Mr. Smith was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire Company until his retirement in 1983, after 35 years, he also was owner and operator of Bargain Exterminators for 24 years. Jessie served in the United States Army during World War II. Jessie was born on July 13, 1922, in Moultrie, Georgia, to Curtis and Frances (Holten) Smith. He married Barbara Lula (Hereford) Smith on November 2, 1942, in Rossville, Georgia. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2010. Survivors include; two daughters, Phyllis (Robert) Simpkins of Sterling; Frances (Charley) Riney, of Rockford; four sons, Phil Smith, Curtis J. (Joan Leblanc) Smith, and Ernest Eric Smith, all of Sterling, and Karl (Gwen) Cole of Chicago; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-three great grandchildren; and twelve great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Dwain Hereford; one brother, James Smith; one grandchild, Rebecca Hereford; and one great grandchild, Xavier Smith. Funeral services will be held at Macedonia Baptist Church in Sterling, on Monday, February 24, 2014, at 11 AM with Reverend Cooper, and Reverend Roger Carlson, officiating. Visitation will be held at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 1 PM to 4 PM. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Cemetery, in Sterling, following the funeral services on Monday. A Memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.