Dr.Joseph B. Smith

Honorable Dr. Joseph B. “Joe B” Smith, age 85, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Monday, October 9, 2017 surrounded by loved ones. He was a native of St. John the Baptist Parish and a resident of Marrero, LA. Dr. Smith was the first in his family to attend and graduate college, earning his Bachelor’s, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees. He was a successful entrepreneur, civil rights activist, political advisor, educator, and administrator. Dr. Smith held many positions throughout his career, which included former Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive of Clemalita Beauty Products, Inc., President of JBS Insurance Agency, Administrator with Jefferson Parish School Board, Commissioner with Jefferson Parish Housing Authority, and served on Board of Directors for Superdome Services, Inc., Charity Hospital School of Surgical Technology, and Jefferson Parish Tourism & Visitors Bureau, to just name a few. His accomplishments inspired generations of entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, and educators, which continues to this very day. Devoted and loving father of Dr. Benfred Cle´ment Smith, Clemalita Smith, Nedra (Brian) Stewart and the late Clive Smith. Devoted grandfather of Brian “Cruz”, Mary Kate, and Tennille Stewart (Damion LaSalle). Great grandfather of Austin and Aidan LaSalle. Life companion of over 25 years to Ivory Rideau Legania. Son of the late Rev. Landry Cornelius Smith, Sr. and Victoria He´bert Smith. Brother of Mildred Smith of Edgard, LA and the late Ellis, Lawrence, Enix, Landry, Jr., Jessel, Richard, and Arthur Smith, Earline Johnson, Hazel Jean Lewis Landry, Elsie Mullen, Fannie Louis, and Victoria Barnes. Longtime and special friend of Dr. Jesse Borges and Kelly Legania. Former husband of 35 years to Katie Dodd Smith; also survived by his dog Mr. Bigz and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, former colleagues, students and employees of Dr. Smith, also staff and residents of Wynhoven Senior Apartments are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service at DAVIS MORTUARY SERVICE, 6820 WESTBANK EXPRESSWAY MARRERO, LA on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 11:00a.m.

Visitation will begin at 8:00a.m. until service time at the parlor. Interment: Will be Private

To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.