Obituary of Jerome Smith

In Loving Memory of Jerome "Jae" Smith
May 28, 1980 – April 26, 2025

Jerome Smith, affectionately known as Jae, Rome, or Romeo, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, entering eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 

Born on May 28, 1980, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jae was the youngest of two children born to the late Phineas Smith and Belinda Smith (née Bates). He was raised in love and faith, graduating from Highland High School in Blackwood, NJ, in 1999.

During his senior year of high school, Jae met the love of his life, Monique Doyle. Though their story didn’t begin then, a seed was planted that blossomed 14 years later when they reconnected through Facebook. On June 24, 2017, they were married in Las Vegas, embarking on a life of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Monique and her son, Jaylen Alvin Doyle, became Jae’s heart; he embraced them from the beginning as his own. Together, they welcomed their son, Noah Carter Smith, in 2016.

Jae was also a proud father to Maurice Tymir Hubbard and Isaiah Jerome Smith from previous relationships. His sons were his pride and joy. He consistently encouraged them to be men of integrity, to work hard, and to learn from his life. Though he never saw all four of his sons together, he dances in Heaven today, knowing they are united in love as they celebrate his homegoing.

A vibrant soul, Jae was the life of every room he entered. His presence brought joy, laughter, and a sense of safety. He had a heart for people, whether family, friends, or strangers, and a passion to see those around him succeed. His love was loud, his laughter contagious, and his loyalty unwavering.

At the time of his passing, Jae was a Forklift Team Lead at UPS Healthcare. Known for his unmatched work ethic, he often worked multiple jobs to support his family and took great pride in mastering his craft. He strove daily to be the epitome of a hard-working man.

Jae was a man of many gifts. In his twenties, he played for a New Jersey semi-pro football team. He loved shooting pool, cooking, and especially grilling—his food was as bold and unforgettable as he was. He also made a mark as “Jae Laww” in the battle rap community, where his sharp wordplay and authentic style earned him legendary status.

Above all, Jae loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of Victory in Christ Christian Center in Westville, NJ, where he grew in his relationship with God and found spiritual strength.

Jae leaves behind precious and loving memories with his devoted wife, Monique Smith; his children: Maurice Tymir Hubbard, Jaylen Alvin Doyle, Isaiah Jerome Smith, and Noah Carter Smith; his beloved mother, Belinda Smith (née Bates), and his stepfather Edward Smith; his grandfathers, Horace Carl Franks and Pop Pop Fuzzy; and his siblings: Cory Smith, Tiffany Smith, Charlotte Smith, and Lori Combs.

He is also remembered with love by his nieces and nephews: NaLasia Smith, Cheyenne and Trinity Austin, Sonya Combs, Tre’von Smith, Tarique Martin, and a great-nephew, NaLiam Blakely.

Jae is deeply mourned by his aunts and uncles: James E. Bates (Venny), Denise Dean (Richard), Kevin Bates (Crystal), and Karon Ross (Emanuel); and cousins: Antoine Dickens, Tanya Bates, Tenahya Crawford (Lawrence), Eric Johnson (Tanya), Antoniette Pitts, Jimmy Bates, Devin Bates (Vanessa), Montesia Bates, Marvin Edwards (Evelyn), Candice Williams, Xavier Ross, Carla Robinson along with a host of in-laws, extended family, and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his dear Mom-Mom, Doris Willingham, his father, Phineas Smith, and his brother, Darryl Smith.

Jae’s legacy is one of strength, love, laughter, and faith. He lived fully, loved fiercely, and leaves behind memories that will continue to inspire all who knew him.