Josette Morris-Smith

Mrs. Smith was born on October 1, 1969, in St. Thomas, USVI to June lantha Cline Roberts & Redmond Roberts (both whom she is preceded in death). At the early age of five, she lost her sight due to the German measles and High Fever. She grew up amongst six brothers and seven sisters.

In her primary years of schooling, she attended Lockhart Elementary School, Nazareth Bay Middle School, and Charlotte Amalie High School. As a child losing her sight at such a young age, she was determined that her small imperfection would not stop or set her behind what big plans God had already planned for her. Her dream was to become a lawyer so to further her education, she attended the University of the Virgin Islands and obtained a degree in legal assistance.

In her recreational time, she attended Greater Guild for the Blind in Pennsylvania where she learned to live independently and travel the streets safely using a cane technique. Mrs. Smith grew up to be a very loving. strong, & independent woman. She got married to her first husband Fitzgerald Morris at the age of twenty-one and later on, they both started their own family. They both shared three beautiful children.

She worked at the Center for Independent Living as a Peer Counselor for persons with disabilities for twenty-two years and she was a Disability Rights advocate. She stood tall and strong for all persons with disabilities to help the world become more accessible. Her favorite quote was, "If it is not ac-cessible, it is not acceptable!" In those twenty-two years after the passing of her late husband, she met her current husband Henry O. Smith Jr. AKA "Johnny".

Mrs. Smith retired at the age of forty-eight and moved to the States with her family to enjoy her retirement. She enjoyed cooking, listening to music, and traveling. In 2020, she was diagnosed with cancer. She has been one of the strongest cancer warriors anyone has seen. Unfortunately, she was unable to outlive her cancer, but her children and husband stood beside her until the end. You will always be dear to our hearts. Continue to shine above us with your heart of gold Josie, Joste pussycat, Jo-Jo bean, Auntie Josette, and Rosie all the many names you went by in the hearts of all you touched. Jah bless!

Family members include her husband: Henry Smith, Jr.; children: Fitzgerald Morris, Jr., Ja’Viere Morris, and Jac’Qiera Morris; and grandchildren: Chloe, Niara and J’Miya. She was preceded in death by her parents Redmond and June Roberts and sister Judith Cline.

The funeral service will be held Friday, December 22, 2023, at 4:00 P.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors. Interment will be in the US Virgin Islands. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The service live stream may be viewed at: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMzE5ODQ0MTI4Njk5MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com