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Deacon Leonard Smith, Sr, age 61, of Braddock, on Sunday, January 24, 2021.
Husband of Bernadette Strover-Smith.
Visitation with the family 9-11 PM Saturday, January 30, 2021 in Potter's House Cathedral,
430 Cathedral Ave, Mt Oliver 15210. Going Home Services Saturday at 11 AM.
Leonard was born August 21, 1959, the third child of Eleazer and Ida Mae Smith, who preceded him in
death.
As a young boy, Leonard attended the neighborhood Crescent Elementary School in Homewood, Pa. His
studies continued at Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill, Pa. Searching for a greater purpose, in
1979 Leonard joined the United States Army as an Airborne Combat Medic. There, he thrived serving his
country and becoming a great comrade to his peers.
Traveling to the first of many assignments, Leonard experienced his basic training at Fort Sam Houston,
Tx. His accomplishments led him to become a part of the 82nd Airborne Para Trooper Training at Fort
Bragg, North Carolina. As a matured serviceman, Leonard was soon in the throes of combat as he com-
pleted a tour of war in Afghanistan in July 1997. Like most young men, the Army prepared Leonard to
become accustomed to hard work, serving the country, and traveling. His adventures took him to Alas-
ka, Panama, Killeen Tx, and Seattle, Washington, before returning home. The son of Homewood was now
well-traveled and experienced. Within this period, he discovered a soft-spoken, brown-eyed beauti-ful
lady named Bernnadette Strover from Pittsburgh, with whom he fell in love and married on July 12,
1997.
However, Leonard would soon learn that the Army could not fulfill a void. Soon, he sought to obtain
what only the Lord Jesus Christ could do, which was saving his soul. In 1998 he accepted Christ as his
Lord and Savior and became a member of the Army of the Lord.
Now with a wife and children, Leonard continued to grow. Having been honorably discharged from the
Army in 2012, he continued to discover new occupations. Leonard became a licensed practical nurse
through Connley Trade School of Pittsburgh. His love for taking care of others would advance through
these studies as he continued to work as a nurse with patients who needed his professional skill and
care.
Both Leonard and Bernadette's salvation led them to a church in Braddock, Pa., by the name of Potter's
House Ministries, where (then) Pastor Otis L. Carswell found them as faithful servants and loving people.
There they served devotedly and grew in the understanding of the Lord with their family. In 2012 they
became ordained Deacons and leaders in the church. He remained so until his passing, preparing for
communion and baptism while clearing the snow and debris from the campus property every Sunday he
attended. Always in his well put together color-coordinated outfit and fedora, Deacon Leonard strolled
welcoming all he encountered with his infamous quote, "Happy Sunday." Leonard was a quiet man but
jovial and enjoyed travel, jogging to stay fit, vacations, comedy shows, and serving as an Army repre-
sentative during Veterans Day events.
On January 24, 2021 Deacon Leonard quietly slipped away to receive his heavenly reward. He is sur-vived
by his wife of 24 years Bernnadette Strover Smith. He is survived by his children Leonard Smith, Key-Tora
Love and Kenneth Heard. He was a loving grandfather to Jahier, Nariah, Seinna, Shaniah, Keyontay Lusas
Heard, and Dajuan.
Cherishing his memory are his siblings, Shirley A. Printup, Elease Y. Smith, Xavier Smith, Johnnie S. Sledge
(Frederick), Twanda R. Smith, Willie C. Smith (Jennifer), Shawne A. Smith, Jermaine Smith, and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, beloved church family, and friends.
PLEASE FOLLOW CDC GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASKS ARE REQUIRED.
Caring and Professional Arrangements for the Smith family are under the direction of the New Elmer L Herman Funeral Home,
new location at 828 Richford St at Commonwealth Ave. Duquesne/West Mifflin, PA 15110.
Near Kennywood Park and West Mifflin High School.
Direct Access to me 412-521-2768 or my cell-412-475-4381.
"Dignified Funerals, Celebrations of Life, Green Burials and Cremations with Care"
You are invited to sign the Online Guest Book at the top of the page to pass along your personal message or tell a story to support the family.
With warmest regards,
John N. Bauer and the Staff of the new Elmer L Herman Funeral Home
"Where Every Life is Cherished & Every Family is Treasured"
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