Dr. Jesse B. Smith "Doc"

Dr. Jesse "Doc" B Smith, 91, of Naperville, IL - previously Des Moines, IA, Willingboro, NJ, Memphis, TN and Chicago, IL passed away on January 4, 2026. Born December 28, 1934, in East Chicago, Indiana, he devoted his life to service, education, and faith.

A trailblazer from an early age, he broke racial barriers at Bowen High School. During his four years at Bowen, God used him to break the color barrier in various areas, notably he was the first person of color to:

⁃ Command R.O.T.C. Drill Team in City Competition

⁃ Attain Regiment Commander with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

⁃ One of the Drum Majors which required being able to play five instruments. He played Sousaphone, Baritone, Trombone, Clarinet and drums in     the band. He also played string bass in the orchestra.

⁃ Be elected Vice President of his graduation class.

In August 1953, after graduating in June 1953, he entered the United States Air Force and was a meteorologist.

Dr. Smith built a distinguished career in transportation after the Air Force with the Chicago Transit Authority as a driver, conductor, motorman and Supervisor.

He continued his career at Greyhound ultimately becoming the first African American to hold multiple leadership roles at Greyhound, including Safety Supervisor in Memphis and Director of Safety for the New York region. After retiring from Greyhound, he served as the Director of Safety for Academy Bus Company and Atlantic Express.

Upon moving to Des Moines, IA,  Dr. Smith continued serving communities through transit work, youth counseling, and ministry.  A lifelong learner, he earned degrees from J. N. Thorpe Elementary, James H. Bowen High School, Wilson Junior College, Christ Apostolic Christian College culminating in a PhD in 2008. He completed Accident Investigator Certification at Northwestern University and took courses in meteorology at Iowa State University.

As a Holy Ghost filled man of God, he served faithfully in churches across Chicago, Memphis, Philadelphia, and Des Moines as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and a grounds man. He is survived by his children Troy, Mia, Mark, Heather, endeared niece Glenda, children through marriage Jeanette, David, and Jonathan and grandchildren.

The complete obituary will be available at the service.

Visitation and Funeral Service will be held on Saturday from 10am until the time of service at 12 noon at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood.

Burial and Full Military Honors will be held on Tuesday January 20, 2026 at 11am at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. Everyone will meet at the Cemetery at 10:45am.

For additional information please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.