Gregory Jimal Smith

Gregory Jimal Smith was born on September 16, 1957 to Mattie (nee Neal) and Alonzo Smith in Cincinnati, Ohio. Greg, the youngest of the Smith clan grew up amongst his rather large extended family in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood.

Greg grew up in Cincinnati's West End Richmond Village. He started school at Sands Montessori and graduated from Withrow High School in 1976. During his high school years, he transferred to a different high school each year to experience the schools' cultures. He attended Southern Ohio College and worked several jobs with his father as a cement mason and machine operator.

In 1977, he met Vanessa Wray and to their union in 1986 was born 3 children Guinevere, Jimal Gregory and Krystal Renee.

He joined General Electric Co in 1985, where he worked until 1994.

When he experienced a layoff, he decided to take his fate into his own hands and become an entrepreneur. Greg obtained his barber's license from Ohio Barber College in 1995 and then promptly opened Profiles Plus. He owned and operated the neighborhood barbershop until his passing.

God blessed Greg with a gregarious (pun intended) personality and witty sense of humor. He was also blessed with the gift of gab, he loved to talk and (most of all hearing himself talk!). He enjoyed serving his clients and the personal relationships he forged. He also enjoyed the brotherhood of learning from other men, networking and meeting people from all walks of life.

Greg, an avid reader who amassed a collection of over 500 books, loved to read and share with his book club. He was particularly interested in black history, ancient civilizations and world religions. Aside from reading, He enjoyed numerous activities including line dancing, shopping at thrift stores and gardening.

Greg volunteered as an Avondale Community Council, where he served as a board member and treasurer for four years. From that stint, he developed a love for the Avondale neighborhood and took on efforts to beautify himself. Initially, Greg also worked to keep the property around his business area clean of debris. He eventually was recognized by the City of Cincinnati for his efforts to beautify the area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie A. Anderson and Alonzo Lonnie Smith; his oldest sister, Gloria Smith; step-father, James Anderson.

His loving spirit will forever be remembered by his four children, Guinevere Smith of Ellenwood, GA, Jimal (Attina) Smith, Krystal Smith and Shane Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Jimal Smith, Micah Gregory Smith and Katalina Renee Allen; sisters, Sabrina Smith and Judith Anderson of Cincinnati, OH and brother Burr Jason Anderson of Dayton, OH; special friend Ernestine Hill, a host of nieces and nephews; an entire community of clients and friends.

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