Franklin Veto Smith, Jr.

Franklin Veto Smith Jr. was raised in Highland Park, Michigan, where he began his education at Willard School before continuing on to Barber Middle School on Buena Vista. He later attended Highland Park Community High School. Though he did not complete his high school education there, Franklin remained steadfast in his pursuit of growth and opportunity. He went on to attend Job Corps in Detroit, Michigan, where he proudly graduated as a Technical Aide.

Following his graduation, Franklin worked as an orderly at Henry Ford Hospital for four years. He later continued his service in Detroit at a senior citizens’ residence on Hancock Street, where he remained dedicated to helping others. He worked for five years as a driver for the Henry Ford plant. His journey then led him to Toledo, Ohio, where he resided for a time with his brother, Henry Benjamin Smith.

While in Toledo, Franklin became a devoted member of The Body of Christ Refuge, One Church for All People, strengthening his faith and spiritual foundation. After a year, he moved to Lansing, Michigan, where he began a new chapter. Starting with humble beginnings in a shelter, Franklin’s determination soon led him into his own one-bedroom apartment. During this time, he worked diligently to rebuild his credit and enrolled in a first-time homebuyers program while faithfully attending Tabernacle of David Church. Upon completing the program, he achieved homeownership, purchasing a residence on Lansing’s south side.

Franklin, affectionately known as Frank, became a familiar and generous presence throughout Lansing’s church community. He supported many local churches, giving freely of his time and resources through donations of food, clothing, and acts of service.

Frank found joy in landscaping, refurbishing furniture, collecting antiques, and attending church. His favorite scripture, Psalm 91, was a source of strength and comfort. He often recited, “God bless the child that’s got his own,” a cherished saying passed down from his grandmother, Sarah. He also held dear the scripture, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25). His love for dancing and praising God will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Frank leaves to cherish his memory his children, daughters, Denise Smith, Kenya Smith, and Jessica Cray; sons, Melvin Vito Dalton, James Vito Lewis Smith, Isaiah Smith, and Antonio Vito Carlos Smith; grandchildren, Kuran Mevin Vito Dalton Burton, Sadie Roberson Dalton (Fox); Samuel Dalton; Jashaya Smith; Jalena Jones; Kyng Smith; Emmera Smith; Isaiah Smith Jr., Breonna Smith. Emila Smith, Lauren Smith, Donveah Smith; Alecia Smith; Adonis (Dream ) Garrett, Freya (Honey) Garrett, Layla Mary-amn Smith, Makayla Dorothy-Ann Smith, Maya Monroe, Daysean Smith, Deja Smith, India-Marie Smith; Matthew Veta Smith, Angel Mary Dorothy Smith, Victor Davidson, Kennedy Davidson, and Makayla Davidson; great grandchild, Davari McIntosh; parents, Franklin Veto Smith, Sr and Mary Margaret Bullard; grandparents, Margarret Simone Benford, Gilbert C. Lewis, Sarah Lou Freda Smith, and James Smith; sisters, Lafreda Hinton, Tamika Smith, Kira Bryant, Marcia Wills and Cally Wills; brothers, Angelo Franklin Smith, Elias Smith, Kamron Jamil, and Antonio Wills; nieces, Bianca Holiday, Micah Abby Wills, Shatani Bethea, Marie Wills, Marcia Wills, Cray Wills, Johnita McGee, Lafreda Hinton, Sarah Harris, Andreanna Green, Adrenne McCord, Aleshya Smith, Da’noya Marie Monique Smith, and Alejla Smith; nephews, Rashawn Jackson, Amarius McCord, Marty Smith, Michael Smith, Henry Smith Jr., Emmanuel Smith, Christopher Nunley, Keyway Nunley, Keith King-Wills, Michael Abby Wills, Elias Abby Wills, Jaden Abby Wills, and Antonio Wills Jr.; aunts, Elaine Gwynn, Mildred Sanders, Edwina Amiuel, Marie Hamile-Dudley, Laversa McDougal, and Merline Motley; uncles, Vassal Benford, Henry Benford, and Sidney Smith; many cousins; and special friends that have always been in Frank’s corner, Kelly Wilson, Sheree Brown, Matthew Bobbio, Renee Hultin, Sis Morrel, Pastor Sarah Johnson, and Minister Brent from Soul Winners Church.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Vivette Smith; and his brothers, Henry Smith, Davis Smith, Michael Smith, and Kenny “Bo” Wills.