Marvin
James Smith, Jr.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those
who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34:18
Marvin
Smith, Jr. — A husband, a son, a nephew and so much more, affectionately known
as “Little Marvin”, transitioned this life on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to his
mother’s arms, who transitioned slightly more than 48 years prior. As painful as
we feel the loss, we were blessed to have him for nearly 51 years, whereas she
only had him here on earth for two years but now God and his mother have him for
eternity.
Known for his giant smile, that he inherited from his mother,
his commanding presence from his father, his gregarious laughter that filled a
room and a heart of gold, Marvin brought joy and warmth to everyone who had the
blessing of knowing him.
Born on September 21, 1974, in Charleston, WV,
to his beloved mother, Deborah “Debbie” Parks Smith, raised by his devoted
father, Marvin Smith, Sr., and surrounded by a supportive family, especially his
grandfather, William A. Parks, Aunt Kaye and Uncle Reggie, Marvin, Jr. grew into
a man marked by his resilience, kindness and deep love for others.
Marvin
had strong faith. His day started with reading God’s Word (the Bible) and a
prayer and ended in prayer.
Marvin graduated from DuPont High School,
attended Marshall University and received a Specialized Associate Degree in
Electronics and Computer Science from the National Institute of Technology and a
Specialized Associate Degree in Business Administration from West Virginia
Junior College. But his passion was his association with the Kanawha Valley FOA
(Board of Football Officials) and KSSUA (Board of Softball Umpires), serving as
a referee for 17 years. He was a familiar face on the football and softball
fields (following in his grandfather’s footsteps) throughout the State. Whether
officiating a game or mentoring athletes, Marvin was admired for his fairness,
encouragement and ability to bring people together through the game. His final
years of employment were spent with the State of West Virginia in the Department
of Motor Vehicles a State Dealer Inspector.
Marvin spent many years with
the love of his life, his wife, Lesleigh Coleman Smith, where together they
raised two beautiful children. He was a devoted husband and a proud father,
never missing a chance to cheer his children on, share laughter around the
dinner table, or offer words of wisdom. His joy only multiplied with the arrival
of his three grandchildren.
Marvin is survived by his devoted wife,
Lesleigh; his children, Brendon Smith of Charleston, WV, Marquis Smith of
Malden, WV, Leigha Smith of Charleston, WV, and Luke Smith of Rand, WV; three
grandchildren, Bri’Elle Smith, Armani Smith and Kayani Stevens; and his devoted
father, Marvin Smith, Sr. He was also blessed with three sisters by marriage,
Michelle Symns-McDaniel (Scottie), Charlotte, NC, Jamie Adams, Charleston, WV,
and Jackie Harris, Charlotte, NC. Also, cherishing his memory, his uncle,
Reginald M. Parks, Clarksburg, WV; aunts, Delores Calloway, Rand, WV, and Kaye
J. Parks, London, WV; great uncle/aunt, Bertrand (Bernice) Christian of
Louisville, KY; great aunt, Margo Christian-Brooks, Chicago, IL; aunt/cousin,
Lucretia Parks McKinney of Clayton, NC; special brother/friend Adrian Ross of
South Charleston, WV, and a host of very loving cousins, extended family and
close friends.
Marvin was preceded in his transition by his mother,
Deborah J. Parks-Smith; grandparents, William and Zelma Parks; grandmother,
Frances E. Smith; grandfather, James Smith; great grandparents, Jesse and
Christine Christian; uncles, Clyde Dearing, Melvin Smith, Sr., Charles Leon
Smith and Gregory Smith.
Marvin’s celebration of life will be held at
1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118
Virginia Street East, Charleston WV.
Visitation will begin one hour
prior.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American
Kidney Fund in honor of Marvin’s life and in respect for the illness he so
courageously faced. Your generosity will continue the fight against kidney
disease and support families walking a similar journey.
Condolences may
be sent to his family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Barlow Bonsall Funeral
Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
“Well done, good and
faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21