Byther Smith

Mr. Byther Smith, 89, departed this life on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Advocate Christ Memorial Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago’s Blues Legend, Byther Smith was a native of Jayess, Mississippi and was born in Monticello, Mississippi on April 17, 1932.  

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Salem M.B. Church, located 333 Price Road, Jayess, Mississippi 39641 with the pastor Rev. Edward Herron officiating.

Interment will be in the Salem M.B. Church Cemetery.

Byther is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Smith and Ellen Lee Lenoir Smith; his wife, Etta Mae Smith; five brothers and three sisters.
He leaves to cherish his memories six daughters, Alma Kershaw of California; Bonny Gordon of Indiana; Annie Williams of Illinois; Delbra Taylor of Illinois; Aldora Clay of Illinois; and Patrice Guest of Illinois; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and fans.

Byther Smith, the Mississippi – born artist started his gift of music in gospel.  As a young man, he traveled to various churches using his gift where needed. His interest moved to blues when he moved to Chicago in the late 1950s where his cousin J.B. Lenoir was living.  He played in various bands as backup until he became serious about the business for himself.  He’s played with some of the greatest well-known artists: Junior Wells, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, BB King, Jimmy Reed, Big Mama Thornton and Buddy Guy. Byther would play locally in Chicago clubs, festivals, and universities, while deferring his dream to provide for his family and to broaden the opportunities for his children. He was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2018 and became an Honorary Citizen of Monticello, Mississippi in 1997.

We encourage all in attendance to wear masks and practice social distancing per COVID-19 guidelines.

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Saturday, September 25, 2021 11:00 AM

Salem MB Church 333 Price Road Jayess, MS 39641

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