Jerry E. Smith

Born on September 10, 1947, he grew up in Damascus, Maryland and spent most of his adult life in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he built a life characterized by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to others.

A graduate of Greensboro College, Jerry enjoyed a successful career as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley, formerly Dean Witter. He was respected by colleagues and clients alike for his integrity, wisdom, and genuine concern for the people he served.

In 1992, Jerry took on what he often jokingly described as one of life's greatest adventures when he married Kathy Acton and became a stepfather to her four children. What began as an act of love, blossomed into a family bound together by mutual affection and respect. Jerry embraced his role wholeheartedly, becoming a devoted husband and a wonderful stepfather. Kathy's children adored him, and he loved them as his own.

Music was one of Jerry's lifelong passions. He loved to sing and spent many years performing with Harmony Express, a barbershop chorus, where he formed lasting friendships and shared his love of music.

Jerry's deepest passion was social justice and helping young people realize their potential. While fulfilling his Selective Service commitment, he founded the Youth Energy Network, an organization dedicated to helping inner-city youth develop sound decision-making skills, personal responsibility, and independence. The impact of his work continues today through an offshoot of the program that remains active in the summer enrichment ministry at St. Paul's.

Those who knew Jerry will remember his compassionate heart, his gentle spirit, his sense of humor, and his unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of every person. He touched countless lives through his mentorship, encouragement, and service to his community.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Acton; his stepchildren, Ashley Walker (Doug), Stewart Welch (Elizabeth), and Katie Clayton (Zach); and his nine cherished grandchildren, Wells (21) and Rayne Walker (20), and Lydia(20), Will(18), and Macy Welch (12), and Blue(9), Kent(8), Charlie(6), and Mary Katherine Clayton (5). He is also survived by his brother, Ed Smith (Diana Howard) of Rolling Hills, California; his sister, Sharon Warfield (Wayne); his stepmother, Joyce Smith Patrick; his niece and nephew, Kristin and Jason Warfield.

He was preceded in death by his beloved stepson, Kent Welch, who passed away in 2004, as well as his parents, Betty Watkins Van Glabeke and Clayton Otis Smith.

Jerry's light, his kindness, and his humor will be deeply missed. His love, generosity, and commitment to helping others have left an enduring mark on his family, friends, and community. He will be lovingly remembered and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 29th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Edward Kent Welch Memorial Fund at The Winston-Salem Foundation.