Mr. Bert Smith

Mr. Bert Smith, known as "Stony Bert" to some, a native of Petersburg, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2020. Bert was born in Petersburg, Virginia to the late Hattie Best Smith and Charles Smith, Sr. He accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and was baptized at an early age at Good Shepherd Baptist Church. He retired from the City of Colonial Heights where he took pride in his work. Bert was a funny guy, cracking many jokes, he loved golf and watching Tiger Woods, playing Tonk and poker with his poker buddies, and playing BINGO in years past. While he was funny, he didn't take no stuff. He enjoyed not telling his age (that is why it is not listed here today). He loved wearing baseball-style caps. He was known for his style of dress, he was sharp, loved his dress pants, button-down shirts with a pocket, and his Stacey Adams. Later in life, he began to wear Reebok tennis shoes, that he kept scrubbed clean (and still has a brand-new pair), and pull over t-shirts. Bert enjoyed his hot fried fish, herrings in particular, beans and neckbones, with a side of cornbread. But he'd better not hear his wife sneeze in the kitchen, or he would be peeping around the chair to see if she had covered her mouth. He had a special love, bond, and joy for his granddaughter, T'Lia, whom he adored and helped to raise. He always reminded her that a good attitude would go a long way in life, which she still has. He found humor in not calling his son-in-law, Ramone, by his real name. He has always been "Omar" to him, even to a day before his passing. But we just laughed, and "Omar" always respectfully answered. Bert will be forever missed by his family and friends very dearly. Bert was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers Corrine Walker, Dorothy Harris, Ruth Thomas, Alfred Smith, William Henry, Harvey Lee, Clarence Smith (Charlotte) and Charlie Smith, Jr. and brother-in-law Edward Moore. Along with his devoted and dedicated wife, Brenda M. Smith, he is survived by his children: devoted daughter Shelly Johnson (Ramone), daughter Sandra Stewart, beloved son Brian Moore (Maxine), sons Barry Crocker, Bert Crocker, Derwin Moore (Maryland) and Aldwayne Jones (Stoney Creek). He leaves to also cherish his memory beloved grandchildren, including Ramone A. Johnson, Jr., Kierra Crocker, Brian Redwine, JaKayla Stewart and one devoted granddaughter, T'Lia Green, whom he adored dearly. Bert is also survived by sisters Gloria Smith (Petersburg), Helen Thompson (Georgia), and Margaret English (Philadelphia); one aunt Rosa Archer (Florida); and several nieces and nephews that he loved. Bert also has living sisters-in-law Sherry-Gail (Georgia), Rita (Petersburg), Charlene (Petersburg), Sabrina (Colonial Heights), Sharon, Felicia (Michael), Cynthia, Patricia, Michelle (Dwayne) (all Richmond, VA); brothers-in-law Angelo (Brenda), Westley (Jennifer), Mario (Shatesha), Dexter, and Eric; and his mother-in-law, Cora Moore.