Michael Smith, 48, of Peoria, passed away at 2:34 a.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Michael was born in Peoria on November 27, 1960, a son of William McDowell and Rosie L. McDonald. His mother; sisters, Beverly, Kathleen and Ramyka; and his grandparents preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sons, Michael, Migquel and Meeko Reddick, all of Peoria; father, William (Diane) McDowell of Peoria; sisters, Dorothy (Omer) Moore of Peoria, Lejune Kimbrough of Peoria, Arnita Smith of Peoria, Barbara Porter of Memphis, Brenda (Larry) Patterson of Peoria, Karen (Andre) Williams of Springfield, Tonet (Roderick) Jones of Chicago, Evet Malone of Tunica, MS, Deanna Malone of Peoria and Lynzi Gaiter of Peoria; brothers, George Smith of Peoria, Charles Smith of Chicago, William (Ruby) Riley of Peoria, Ronnie Smith of Detroit, MI, Kevin Kimbrough of Chicago, Karl Kimbrough of Iowa, James Kimbrough of Chicago, William Malone of Peoria and Lendsy Gaiter of Peoria; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Michael was raised by his maternal grandmother, Essie Johnson, in Peoria. He was formerly employed as a chipper and grinder for HB Enterprises in East Peoria.
Michael enjoyed working on cars, basketball, football, spending time with his family and friends and listening to music. He especially liked smooth Jazz. He was very dedicated to his family and was especially proud of his son, Michael, upon his recent graduation as the 2009 Valedictorian of Peoria High School.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at New Cornerstone Baptist Church in Peoria, with the Rev. Mark A. McConnell officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in West Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to the Michael, Migquel and Meeko Reddick Education Fund at CEFCU.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kathryn L. Allen-Dyes, Family Assistant through Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.
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Latest Memories
My memories stretch from childhood to now. I could write some really comical stories about growing up with Mike. Mike grew up on the corner of First & Charlton down the street from us. My mom and his grandparents were kinda "strict" and since we seldom were allowed to cross the street or go out of the yards when we did get to play we PLAYED....you had to have permission back in those days to go play. Mike use to tell stories of how we wouldn't play with him...but our mom wasn't keen on letting us play with boys. But as we got older and could interact we had some great times.
Everytime I have come home to visit Mike has been around. He attended all of our holiday gatherings and even helped Roma, Abraham, Preacher, Touc, Dennis and William cook all the meat for our family reunion. He has hung "tough" with us on many occasions. Our family was blessed with his presence and shared a love like blood. My nieces and nephews refer to him as "Uncle Mike".
He was a gentle, sweet, loving soul and we will miss him dearly.
Hugs
Mike,
I was stunned, to say the least, when I heard about your passing. It had been well over 10 years since our time together, but some of the fondest memories began to flow as if it were yesterday.
You were a special friend and a all-around good person, I will always remember that.
You will truly be missed!
| Minister Becky Stone/Casey |
|
|
FRIEND
You were "Always" a Friend
whether far or near,
Not only to me, But to My Family also you'll be remembered so Dear.
No matter the time, space nor distance in between, Friends we remained and shall always be.
We'll all miss you, a Great, Great deal, But in God's hands, "We Pray", shall you Rest and Be Still...
With all our Love
Minister Becky Stone/Casey & Family
I last saw Mike at Roma's where we hang on Sunday's on Memorial Day weekend. There was a group of us regulars and whoever else stopped by. We had some very good times. I fried fish on Memorial Day and received a message from Mike that he was coming to eat. He didn't come as he got sidetracked but we knew we would get together again the next Sunday as usual. I got a call that Saturday that they were frying fish and to come over. I was leaving for Arizona the next day and did not make it to the fish fry. I really regret that as I would have had one more good memory of hanging with my friend. He will truly be missed. I am posting the picture I took of Mike at my birthday celebration at Roma's in February of 08. May it make you smile.
Latest Condolences
| Michael Young |
Deepest sympathy |
March 30, 2011 |
I will always have fond memories of Michael especially when we went to Morning Star Baptist Church. He had a great sense of humor, we shared many good times together. I used to always tell him that he was so quite, he replied, "You are too loud and crazy Michael Young. I asked him once why he always called me by my whole name. He stated, well that is your name, what could I say? I often think of him and its so hard to believe that he is gone. My last time seeing Michael was when the Echos Choir had their reunion. We both laughed and talked, Lord knows I did not know that would be my last time seeing him.
Rest in perfect peac, dear friend.
Humbly Submitted,
Michael Young
Washington, D.C.
| vicki cook-herron |
friendship |
June 17, 2009 |
its very sad to just see you at my brother benny service then to turn around and be at yours i know the both of you are in good hands and our family knows God only takes the best miss two of you dearly.
| vicki cook-herron |
friendship |
June 17, 2009 |
| Linda Hardy (Willie) |
(Cousin) |
June 14, 2009 |
Michael's sons, father, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends:
fCousin Michael (also known as Deacon Michael), will be missed. Leko and I were just with him and the family in Chicago, Illinois a few weeks ago not knowing that would be the last time that we saw him and would be able to speak to him. He was so proud of his sons. As you go thru life, keep him in your memories. Have FAITH and PEACE that GOD will sustain you and be your protector. We do not always understand when a love one passes from us. Be comforted in knowing that he was a child of God. Keep these scriptures with you, Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:13. We love him but he is now in the arms of JESUS CHRIST, our LORD and SAVIOR. When you are lonely or sad, just look up and you will be comforted.
Humbly submitted
| Shannon Isadore |
Special Friend |
June 13, 2009 |
Michael, Migquel and Meeko:
Words of comfort cannot begin to ease the pain and sorrow in your heart... Only time can do that... and in time, the memories of your Dad, which hurt you so deeply now, will comfort you... and you will find peace again. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike’s brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends:
Take hold of the memories you have
made together and keep them close...
May the strength of FAITH,
may the joy of HOPE,
and may the warmth of LOVE
bring you PEACE
in your time of sorrow.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Shannon
