Deacon Johnny Smalls, son of William and Mary O. Smalls, was born January 7, 1922 in Bonneau, South Carolina. Deacon Smalls peacefully departed this life on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at his home. Deacon Smalls was baptized and saved at an early age and joined St. Peters A.M.E. Church in Bonneau, SC. A longtime member of St. Michael's R.E. Church in St. Stephen, SC, he served faithfully. After relocating to Holly Hill, SC, he became a member of Greater Deliverance Tabernacle. 

In 1949, Deacon Smalls was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mrs. Vernell Smalls, who preceded him in death. This union was blessed with five children. Deacon Smalls also became a father to the four children of his uncle and aunt when they passed. On June 7, 1997, Deacon Smalls was joined in Holy Matrimony to Pastor Essie L. Smalls. To this union, four children were blended together. 

Deacon Smalls worked all over the east coast as a Master Brick Mason. Deacon Smalls was truly a man of God. As we reflect on his life, we can truly say that he was a great father, quiet gentleman, awesome provider, loyal, man of few words, but when he spoke you listened. Raising teenage daughters was a challenge but he did it with grace. 

Deacon Smalls was preceded in death by his parent: William and Mary Smalls; brothers: Sam, Joseph, and Benjamin Smalls; sisters: Evelyn LaGree, Sara Jones, Carrie Young, and Minnie Bowman. Deacon Smalls is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 20+ years, Pastor Essie L. Smalls; son: Alfred Smalls (Emma); daughters: Deloris Lyons, Leila Ballard, Sharon Pinckney (Isaiah), Shirley Brown (Edward), Loretta Surgeon, and Anitra Stalling; children united by marriage: Malqueen Bellinger (Larry), Rev. Johnny Smalls (Fay), Rev. William Smalls (Yvonne), and Sharon Thomas (Darrell); children he raised: Johnny Carr, William Carr, Leila Green, and Frank Carr; 25 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law: Edward Middleton (Almae) and Alfred Hamilton (Melissa); sisters-in-law: Carolyn Cleveland, Mary Ann Daniels, Patricia Wilson, Marilyn Barnes, Quinnie Floyd, Dorothy McKune, Eartha Randolph (Michael), Mamie Green, and Margarett Jenkins (Steve); nieces, nephews, and sorrowing loved ones. 

Family will receive friends at 119 Sugar Hill Road, Holly Hill, SC 29059. 

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