Elder John Ronald Smalls

Elder John Ronald Smalls was born to John and Sophronia Smalls on December 23, 1939 in Queens, New York. At the age of 15, Elder Smalls joined the Army and served for two years. He fabricated about his age to get in the Army, and since he was bigger than most 15 year olds, they believed he was older than what he really was. While in the military, he was also a boxer. That was the one and only sport Elder Smalls took a liking to. John and Bertie, (who preceded him in everlasting life on April 29, 2013), were married on June 19, 1959. Shortly after marriage, they moved to San Francisco where they lived for five years. While in California, they made life-long friends. Elder John and Mother Bertie moved back to New York where they lived until relocating to Chesapeake, VA in 1990. They were married for 53 years and from this union were born three children; Rondrea, John Jr. (John-John) and Toya. After returning to New York, Elder Smalls was an ambulance driver, he worked for a power company, a phone company, a trade school in Inwood, and worked as a transportation driver for Mr. Donald Trump. He also worked for the City of New York Department of Corrections at Rikers Island from 1970 until 1985. Elder Smalls would often tell many stories about being a correctional officer. He had great pride in his work and took pleasure in sharing with others his experiences of being an officer. After moving to Virginia in 1990, Elder had an array of jobs that ALL included assisting others. Elder Smalls was an assistant teacher for troubled young men at SECEP - South Eastern Cooperative Educational Program and he worked at The Pines Residential Treatment Center. Additionally, Elder worked for the City of Chesapeake and he was a mentor to men & women who were in a drug program and he took them to and from their destinations. Elder Smalls was licensed as an Elder in the United Holy Church in June 2000, and later became a "District Elder". He and Mother Smalls were active in the "Senior Connection" and he regularly reached out to the seniors during their times of need and during special events. He attended fellowships, convocations, and all events associated with United Holiness Church. Elder Smalls leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy, one son, John Smalls, Jr. and his wife Keisha Smalls, two daughters, Rondrea Ross and her husband Richard Ross and Toya Smalls; Four brothers; Jerome Smalls identical twin who preceded him in home going on September 21, 2002; Rodney Smoot, Keith Smoot, and Sean Smalls; two sisters, Loraine and Allison Smalls; 6 beautiful grandchildren; Vaughn, Xavier, Chebar, Richard, Madison and Samantha. He also leaves nieces & nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Elder John Ronald Smalls

December 23, 1939 - March 11, 2014