Allan Freeman Smith's Obituary
Allan Freeman Smith was born on June 8, 1960 to Joyce and Charles Taliaferro Smith Sr. in Detroit, Michigan. To this union, seven children were born, Allan being the sixth. Allan was raised on the northwest side of Detroit and attended Higginbotham School until his family moved to Belleville, Michigan in 1968. Allan then attended Milan Public Schools where he graduated from Milan High School in 1979.
Allan, fondly called Big Al by his family and friends, never met a stranger. He had a gift for striking up conversations with anyone about anything. His kind heart and outgoing personality led him to have a multitude of friends in Sumpter Township where people knew him as the black “Evel Knievel” for his dare-devil tactics on his motorcycle and Corvette.
Allan attended Washtenaw Community College where he received a Heavy Duty Machine Operator certification and used those skills to work at Verdeterre Underground Contractors. He had the ability to fix anything, especially on a motorcycle or car, often saving lots of money due to his expertise. Allan attended the Virginia Farrell School of Cosmetology where he earned a Cosmetology License in 1989. As a Barber/Hair Stylist, Allan worked at several salons including Scrupples, Penthouse, Class & Elegance, and Rima’s Hair Salon where he met clients who became lifelong friends. In 2009, Allan opened Allan’s Hair Studio. Allan continued to work as a Barber/Hair Stylist until 2017 when he began working as an assembler at Jeep Chrysler in Toledo, Ohio.
In July 2007, Allan married the love of his life, Karensa Corlee Fitch. To this union, Kysa Talia Smith was born. Kysa was Allan’s pride and joy. Growing up in Willis, Allan and Kysa made bonfires, took walks in the backyard, cooked together, built items, rode the four-wheeler, and of course, she helped him fix parts on a car! These memories, along with the multiple vacations they took in and out of state, will be cherished by Kysa forever. Allan was so proud of her accomplishments and the young lady she is becoming.
Allan has always been a man of God, attending Wisconsin Avenue Church of God as a child under the leadership of Reverend Hill and his grandmother, Reverend Anna Smith; Sumpter Community Church of God as a teen and adult; and Triumph Church where he was baptized and remained a member until the time of his death. Allan could be found singing gospel songs at work and at home, praying over people in his barber chair, and cooking and feeding the homeless.
On Monday, September 2, 2024, Allan transitioned to his Heavenly Home to be at peace with God. Allan Freeman Smith leaves to cherish his memory; Karensa Smith; his daughter, Kysa Talia Smith; his mother, Joyce Lorraine Smith; one sister, Charleen Morrast; five brothers, Charles Smith Jr., Darryl Smith, Michael (Rachel) Smith, Gary (Diane) Smith, and Jeffrey (Vivian) Smith; a special nephew whom he considered another brother, Kenneth Morrast; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Allan was preceded in death by his father, Charles Taliaferro Smith Sr. Allan will be greatly missed and will forever remain in our hearts.
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