Elbert “Pete” Cooper Smith, Jr. (2/14/1944– 9/12/2026)

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Remembered for his afro, his wit, always having a joke (whether good or bad that he thought was funny), and the ability to bring laughter to any situation.

Elbert Cooper Smith, Jr., 82, of Mansfield, Texas, transitioned into the arms of the Lord on September 12, 2026.

The blessing of Elbert Cooper Smith Jr was gifted to his parents Elnora Jackson and Elbert Cooper Smith Sr on Sweethearts Day, February 14, 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a regular member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He would often reminisce of him and his two brothers as children, mimicking some of the men at the church in the ways they prayed, sang, and expressed their gratitude to the Lord.

Elbert received his primary education in the Mansfield Independent School District, attending the “colored school” and was later bussed to attend I.M. Terrell, Fort Worth, TX for high school. These were the only options available to the colored, as Mansfield was still segregated. He was blessed to find work alongside an esteemed uncle that he held in high value, Milford Briscoe. He received his G.E.D. via night school and worked for General Dynamics, known today as Lockheed Martin. He later became the lead electrician for the fighter jets, and traveled worldwide. He took pride in his profession, working on the flight line on incoming and outgoing flights of the F1-F16. Elbert worked there for over 44 years before retiring.

Elbert met the love of his life, Lena Mae Hayden in the mid 1950’s. Lena always joked about helping him with his homework and bringing him sweet snacks. The high school sweethearts married on September 17, 1961 in the living room of Lena’s childhood home that she shared with her grandparents, Jeff and Mattie Woods.

Elbert and Lena were blessed with three daughters, the third unfortunately would only be an angelic memory for the Smith family as her time was brief, God calling her home shortly after her premature birth in September 1971. Elbert was a true Girl-Dad in all aspects playing with dolls and dressing up for tea parties. Though, greater yet was the love for his wife. He lived to make her happy, ensuring she had everything she wanted and all her heart could desire.

Elbert had many friends. He never met a stranger and had remained close to many of his community/childhood friends until his health began to fail. He had a true passion for softball, the “SMITTY” era blooming during his time playing with teammates at Lockheed Martin and private leagues. He had many monikers because he almost always hit a home run when he came up to bat.

Elbert loved the water. He grew up visiting neighborhood ponds and fishing in nearby streams and lakes. He even had a boat he would go to the lakes in called the “The Leaking Lena”. In earlier days he hunted with close friends and family. Those closer to him knew he was a tinkerer at heart and could fix and repair just about everything.

Elbert is remembered for his afro, his wit, always having a joke (whether good or bad that he thought was funny), and the ability to bring laughter to any situation as he never met a stranger. He was a very active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, He loved everything about Bethlehem, especially serving alongside the men of BBC. He was a trustee, member of brotherhood, member of the Male Choir, Seasoned Saints, Daytime Bible Study, as well as of Hospitality. He and Lena also trained others in the sacred service of Communion, as Sis. Gladys Lawson did with them. He felt the need to always speak an encouraging word to everyone he came in contact with. Elbert’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Elbert was preceded in death by his dad, Elbert Smith, Sr., his beloved mother, Elnora Johnson, his adored grandparents John and Lula Jackson, his brother Bobby Jackson, and his baby girl Elnora Smith. Elbert is survived by his wife of 65 years Lena M. Smith, Children: Portia (Curtis) Wilson, PJ (Darrell) Carmon; his brother Melvin(Sue) Jackson. Grandchildren: Farren, Kegan, and Paigton Wilson, and Darrell Carmon, II; his most prized Grand-fur babies that brought him so much joy in his declining years: Suga, Fendi, Gooch, and Kay-K. As well as a host of other relatives, cousins, nieces and nephews to finish out those who will miss him dearly.