Mr. Elnoris Smith was born on March 29, 1925 in Center, Texas to the union of Roy Smith and Della Smith. Elnoris confessed a hope in Christ uniting with Mount Beulah Baptist Church. He moved to East St. Louis, Illinois in 1973. Elnoris united in wedlock to Norma Jean Miller-Smith.

Elnoris worked as a mechanic and entrepreneur. Working on cars was his passion. He could take a frame and build it into a car. He loved being with his family and attending family gatherings. He enjoyed telling jokes and would help anyone in need.

Elnoris was preceded in death by both parents, Roy and Della Smith; his wife, Norma Jean Miller-Smith; two brothers, A.C. Smith and Ed Louis Smith; two sisters, Annie Pearl Mucherson and Truddie Bell Allen; sons, Author Lee Smith and Herman Jefferson; two daughters, Mary M. White and Trudy Bell Smith; and grandson, Johnny C. Farmer, Jr.

Elnoris Smith departed this life on February 26, 2023 . Elnoris leaves to cherish his memory: two sons, Elnoris Smith Jr. of Memphis, TN and Joseph (Diane) Smith of Belleville, IL; two daughters, Mary (Robert) Smith of Belleville, IL and Ruby (Demetrius) Jordan of Fairview Heights, IL; 22 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that loved him.