Ernest Lee Smith

On Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Ernest Lee Smith, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather, was called home to be with Abba Father. Born on December 18, 1941 to Amber Smith-Braxton and Levi Braxton, he lived a life of love for his family and friends.

Ernest attended Pamlico Training School and graduated in 1961. He grew up in Holts Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church located in Pamlico County, North Carolina. He moved to New York City in 1961 where he joined Bridge Street A.M.E. Church in Brooklyn NY. Ernest worked for JFK Airport, Totts Canada Dry Soda Company, and NYC Housing. Ernest was the Secretary at the Grand Lodge in NY. Ernest married Louise Shorter Smith on February 14, 1965, Valentine’s Day. Together they had four children and remained best friends for 56 years.

In 1991, Ernest Lee Smith moved to Charlotte NC where he worked for the Panthers Stadium and Marriott Hotel. Ernest brought a home in Kannapolis NC in 1997. He loved to work in his yard, carpentry, planting vegetables in his garden, and baking and cooking for his family. Everyone loved his signature cabbage. Most of all he loved chilling in his yard drinking “Coors lite” with his dogs and family. God is so faithful… that he said “well done my faithful servant” while Ernest was working in his yard. We are grateful that we had him in our life.

Ernest was preceded in death by Amber Smith-Braxton, Levi Braxton, and daughter Deborah Shorter. He is survived by his sister; Valerie Braxton-Carr (Queens NY), brothers; Colonel James Braxton, US Army and Chief Warrant Officer Levi Braxton, Jr (Virginia). He also leaves to mourn his wife; Louise Shorter Smith (Columbus, Ga.), daughters; Constance Smith-(Brooklyn, NY), Greta Smith-Jones (Randy) of Concord, NC, son; Master of Arms Ernest N. Smith (Virginia), uncle; Elka Smith, aunts, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.