Charleton Leroy Smith

The Life Story Charleston Leroy Smith 

To plant a seed in one’s heart…to root it in love… To nourish it with time spent together… Yields a blossom that will flourish forever 

Charleton Leroy Smith was born on March 21, 1969, in Atchison, Kansas to his parents, Clarence L. Smith, Jr. and Clydene Peterson Givhan Smith. He was the fourth child born in the family. He grew up with Clarence, Jr., Christopher, and Ceasar. As a child, he enjoyed riding his skateboard, his BMX bike, electric football games (some of which he has kept sets), and he did his best to keep up with his older brothers. Growing up, his dad always referred to his older brother, Ceasar and Charleton, as “Heckel and Jeckyl because if one was in trouble the other was right behind 

The family eventually relocated to Denver, Colorado where Charleton attended Montbello High School. He also attended Rangeview High School in Aurora, Colorado, where he graduated. He furthered his education by attending Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver. 

On July 6, 1996, Charleton married, the former Veronda K. Carter in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. They first met in Denver, Colorado. The couple enjoyed traveling and spending quality time together as best friends. She also remembers his jovial personality. He believed if he could make his wife laugh, then he knew she was happy. His love was intentional and they cultivated a lifelong friendship to ensure they always made time for each other. To this union, Marcus, and Imani Dene’ were born. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who took great pride in the care and nurturing his family. Marcus fondly remembers when his dad would ask, “Who’s dads #1 man; he would always scream ‘I am.” Imani fondly remembers the long walks they would take and him always telling her how much he loved her. “How much he loved her.” He loved traveling with his family. He was a very present Dad and made sure his children were exposed to world travel, he called them “global citizens.” Charleton was employed as a Forklift Operator, and he owned his own landscaping company before transferring to cooperate America. He did so for various companies before working for Anthem. He started in customer service and was promoted to small group underwriting and later to a Quality Assurance Analyst. When President Obama was elected President, Charleton would wear a shirt and tie to work in a casual work environment because he wanted to look presidential too in his attire. He kept his co-workers laughing and was fun to be around.

A man of faith in belief in the Lord, Charleton was a faithful and dedicated member of Macedonia Baptist Church. He joined the church along with his wife, Veronda shortly after they were married. They both committed themselves to doing God’s will and Him being the center. Charleton has served his church as the Sound Engineer, and Trustee over building and maintenance. He truly loved his church and his church family. At the time of his passing, he had been a member for over 28 years. Charleton was a fun-loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed making, producing, and listening to music. He also enjoyed attending hip hop concerts. He loved watching sports, especially football and basketball. He also enjoyed watching Star Wars movies. He was the type of man who never met a stranger, Veronda was always amazed at how many people, they would run into when out in public. She often said, “If they went on a trip to the moon, he would probably know an astronaut.” He had a generous heart and was truly creative. He was close to his mother and was proud of being a “mama’s boy.” He continued to love photography and was always had a camera close by to catch those special moments. They called him the “family paparazzi” because he was always chasing those memorable moments that his sentimental heart did not want to forget. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man who had a big voice, with a big smile, who made everyone feel welcomed and always remained humble. To know Charleton was to love him. He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence L Smith, Jr.; brothers, Clarence Smith, Jr., Christopher Smith; his favorite grandmother, Vera Peterson, aka, “Nanny”. Charleton Leroy Smith departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on September 8, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his wife, Veronda K. Smith; his children, C. Marcus Smith and Imani D. Smith; two brothers, Ceasar Smith and Mark May; his mother, Clydene Smith; two sisters, Cheryl Smith and Windy Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

True Greatness A man is as great as the dream he dreams, As great as the love he bears, As great as the value he redeems, And the happiness he shares. A man is as great as the thoughts he thinks As great as the wealth he has attained. As great as the fountain at which his spirit drinks, and the insight he has gained. A man is as great as the truth he speaks As great as the help he gives, As great as the destiny he seeks, As great as the life he lives.