[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E11-E12]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JERRY L. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Jerry L. Smith, who is a remarkable Small Black Farmer, Businessman and 
public servant.
  Mr. Jerry L. Smith was born in Leflore County, Mississippi on August 
29, 1961 to Emma Lee and Elone Smith, Sr. He is the 7th child of 
twelve.
  Mr. Smith attended Amanda Elzy High School. He was reared on a farm 
with his family. He and his brothers helped his father to farm part-
time until their father decided to stop. He and his brothers took over 
the farming business and started the Smith's Brother Farm in the early 
1980's. Later one of Mr. Smith's brothers was killed and one became 
disabled. He then continued the farming business under the present name 
Smith's Farm.

[[Page E12]]

  Well known for his early start of hard work, Mr. Smith started 
working as a city landscaper in Sidon, MS when he was still in high 
school under the leadership of Mr. Alford. His next job was with 
Leflore County Road Department in 1979 where he is presently employed 
now as County Road Manager.
  Mr. Smith has served in many capacities contributing to this society. 
He served 10 years on the Leflore County United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) Board. He currently serves on the Deacon and Trustee 
Board at Bell Chapel M.B. Church, on the Leflore County Sheriff 
Department, a Sidon Board Alderman, Yazoo Levy Board, Sidon Volunteer 
Fire Chief, and self-employed small farmer. As a farmer he has produced 
cotton, soybeans, and wheat.
  Mr. Smith is married to the former Joyce Marie Thomas and they are 
the proud parents of Jeremy Smith and Jayla Smith.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a Small 
Business Farmer Extraordinaire, Mr. Jerry L. Smith, for his dedication 
to serving others and giving back to his communities by producing crops 
through his farming business.

                          ____________________