George Smith Jr Obituary

George Smith, Jr. , 82, of New Haven, CT, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 29, 2023, surrounded by his beloved wife Celestine and loved ones by his side. George was born in Savannah, GA on May 2, 1940, to the late Carrie Lawton and George Smith Sr. As a child, George, along with family moved to NY and there attended school. As an adult, George would become a factory worker for many years in Brooklyn, NY. Later in life, he migrated to Bridgeport, CT where became and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at West Haven Nursing Home. In 1992 George would meet and later marry the love of his life, Celestine. They would go on to do many things together. In 1996 they opened up their very own restaurant together called "The Family Restaurant" which would become a staple in the Newhallville community. Together, George and Celestine would turn their home into a community training center and a home for individuals with special needs in partnership with DMR. George partly raised many of his grandchildren; including granddaughter, Tiffany Barnes; great granddaughter, Niairy Thorne; and great-great grandson, Elijah Thorne. For years George was a dedicated member of First Church of God who served in many different capacities, including cleaning the church every Saturday morning faithfully and becoming a Deacon under Pastor Wallace Hazard. He also served as a member of the men's choir where he sang base. George had a passion for singing and would happily attend singing engagements with the choir. He also sang with the Men of Valor for a short period of time. George was officially ordained a Deacon at new Antioch Church of God. George was predeceased by his mother, Carrie Lawton; his father, George Smith, Sr. ; his son, Tilghman Barnes; and his granddaughters, Lawanda Barnes and Ciera Jones. George leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Celestine Smith; his children, Carolyn (Eddie) Whitfield, Barbara Barnes, Kameisha (Tyjohn) Mullings, Dennis (Denise) Barnes and Donell Barnes, all of New Haven CT; William (Tereasa) Barnes of Waltsonburg NC, and Leenoris (Tia) Barnes of Houston TX. He also leaves 31 grandkids, 52 great-grandkids and six great-great Grandchildren who will miss him dearly.