Booker Taliferro Smith Jr.'s Obituary
Booker Taliferro Smith, Jr., was born to Booker T. Smith, Sr., and Bessie Hilliard Smith on November 23, 1936 in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He was the second oldest of six children. When he was six months old the family moved to Weed, California. Booker enjoyed growing up in the small Northern California lumber town where he graduated from high school in1955.
Booker attended Shasta College in Redding, California, where he played football, and later entered the Army in 1957. He was stationed in Germany where he drove a truck for a bridge construction platoon, managed the gym, and was an undefeated boxer in 23 fights.
Booker returned to Weed after his tour of duty. He attended Siskiyou Community College and later went to Chico State College where he earned a degree in political science and met his wife of 43 years, Roseanne Belletti Smith. They were married in 1972 and welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Jessica, in 1977.
Booker accepted a position at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland in 1970. He served as the Director of Housing and a Financial Aid Officer for the next 15 years until he and long time friend, John Streetz, opened S&S Seafood on Telegraph Avenue in North Oakland. They owned and operated the restaurant for the next 15 years until they retired in 1998.
In retirement Booker enjoyed playing duplicate bridge in local clubs and traveling to tournaments. He was an accomplished player and earned the rank of bronze life master. He was also an avid San Francisco Giants fan and was often seen sporting a Giants cap and T-shirt. He could spew baseball facts that amazed listeners.
Booker was devoted to his family. He was especially thrilled when his granddaughter, Taryn Smith Kennan, was born in 2012. She adored him and “Papa” was known for slipping her treats when he wasn’t supposed to.
Booker was preceded in death by his brother, Jefferae Smith; sisters, Lorraine McCoy and Juanita Greene; and cousin, Cloretha Rogers. Booker will be lovingly missed by his wife, Roseanne Belletti Smith; daughter, Jessica Smith Goode (Larry); granddaughter, Taryn Smith Kennan; sisters, Almeta Perry (Stephen) and Diann Smooth (James); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Booker will always be remembered for his good nature, free spirit, kindness, generosity, and love of family. We are grateful for having shared his life. He left the earth a better place for all of us.
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