Joe E. Smith

Reflection of Life…

Joe Elmer Smith, affectionately known as “Peter Rabbit” the son of Leola Colvin, was born on November 16, 1945, in Indianola, Mississippi. Joe was raised by his grandparents, Ellen and Charlie Watson, Sr. having a close upbringing with his Uncle Charlie Jr., Aunt Louise Howard and Aunt Betsy Watson.
At a young age, Joe was baptized at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Holly Ridge, Mississippi. He graduated from Gentry High School and soon established the reputation of having a strong work ethic. While in Mississippi he worked on a farm, driving tractors and harvesting the fields. He also worked at the Ludlow Food Processing Factory before later moving to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1967.
On May 12, 1967 Joe began his career at Chrysler Foundry, where he worked for 38 years. During his years of employment, he received numerous awards for his dedicated service before retiring on September 30, 2005. He was known for arriving to work early and rarely missing a day (if any).
Joe had a love for cars, and he liked them loud and fast. As a matter of fact, he collected them, repaired them, and raced them. Many say he was hard to compete against in his younger days. As he got older, Joe was known for having a daily routine where he visited the same places, family, and friends. After he made his rounds, he’d come home to enjoy watching westerns, trivia game shows, sports, and nature channels. Above all he enjoyed his family.
Joe was united in holy matrimony to Sheila on June 7th, 1979 in Indianapolis, Indiana. They were blessed to share a large family of ten children, as Joe loved everything about being a father. He touched many lives in his own way, known for being selfless, caring, giving, and a committed husband and provider. Because of his strong-willed personality he preferred to do for others, rather than allowing others to do for him.
Joe was called home on May 7, 2019, exactly one month prior to what would have been his and Sheila’s 40th year wedding anniversary. He was surrounded by his wife and close family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Leola Colvin, his eldest son Charlie Smith (Dajuana), his sister Maxine Mayle, and his brothers Willie Colvin Jr. and Timothy Colvin.
Joe leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Sheila Smith, children: Sammie, Steve, Bernadette, Stacy (Seniqua), Alex (LaTarsha), Felicia (Nathaniel), Donice, Jolonda, and Da’Nelle, siblings: Ben Colvin (Annie), Patricia Colvin, Betty Broussard (Paul), Daryl Colvin (Kimberly), Charles Colvin (Gloria), and Mark Colvin. Also, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. He cherished relationships with them all.
Joe will be forever remembered for his unconditional love. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.