Jerry Edson Smith, a resident of the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, VT, passed away at the Springfield Hospital on May 16, 2023. Jerry was born in Barre, VT, on June 8, 1964, to Sheldon Smith and Barbara (Babs) Smith. He grew up in Topsham, VT, attending grade school in Newberry and graduating from Oxbow High School. After meeting Cecile Fisher, while working at the Lake Morey Inn when she was a guest, they married on June 11, 1994, and Jerry moved to live with her in Grafton, VT.

Jerry and Cecile lived on the Fisher Family Farm with her mother, Bea Fisher. Bea was involved in many organizations and activities. Cecile and Jerry joined in a number of them, attending the Grafton Community Church and the Grafton Grange, and Pleasant Valley Pomona Grange. Jerry became Bea’s helpful right hand man. He was always assisting her, packing, loading, unloading and moving all of the things needed to support various events.

Jerry’s mother said he was in a hurry to come into the world and he’s loved to be on the go ever since, finding it difficult to stay still. His favorite activity was to hop in the car and head out and make the rounds, stopping here and there to visit with people and check out what was going on out in the world. He would often do small chores or errands for folks. Jerry always had a big smile on his face. Cecile also enjoyed joining Jerry riding about checking out the countryside, going out to eat and visiting others.

When Jerry could no longer safely drive due to Parkinson’s Disease, he still had that strong desire to be on the go. He headed out on a very warm day and made a 2 ½ mile journey to the nearest store and back, quite a feat in the condition he was in, surprising his family with his determination.

Jerry had various jobs over the years, including Lake Morey Inn, Gilcris Enterprises and Melsur Corporation. Jerry loved to use and putter around with small equipment.

He enjoyed being outside mowing lawns and weed wacking and would often help out others with these tasks as well. Jerry could often be found working on his car upgrading the radio system and antennas and whatever fad was popular at the time, such as CB radios.

Jerry was predeceased by his father, Sheldon Smith. He is survived by his wife, Cecile Fisher Smith, daughter, Tiffany Smith, mother Barbara Smith, and brother, David Smith, as well as uncles, Stanley Smith, George Weaver, Richard Varvara, and two aunts, Helen Rodriguez and Mary Smith, as well as many cousins. Thank you to the Lincoln Street Staff that supported Jerry for the last several years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lincoln Street, Inc. https://lincolnstreetinc.org/support-us/

Calling hours will be held on June 2, 2023, at Fenton and Hennessy Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, VT from 4:00-6:00 PM. A burial and graveside service will ​be on June 24 at 11:00 AM at East Topsham Cemetery in Topsham, VT, followed by a gathering at the Town Hall.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.