Dinah Jestine Smalls

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ms. Dinah Jestine Smalls, 76, of Newark, New Jersey, who transitioned on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Trident Medical Center.

Dinah "Jestine" Smalls Life Reflections

Dinah “Jestine” Smalls was born on April 2, 1947, in Cross, South Carolina to the late Jessie Mae and Walter Smalls, Sr. Jestine’s life transitioned on December 30, 2023. 

Dinah affectionally known as “Jestine” grew up and was a member of Immanuel R.E. Church. She graduated in 1965 from Central High School in Cross, S.C. She soon migrated to Newark, New Jersey, where she was employed by Dobbs Airline Caterers, and was later employed with Pathmark Warehouse in New Jersey until she retired. She was an active member of Christ Temple Church Ministries in Newark, New Jersey. She also attended New Ephesus Baptist Church of East Orange, NJ.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Mae and Walter Smalls Sr., and her sisters, Marie, Margarette, and Mabel. Her brothers, James Spann, Isiah Sr., and Walter Leroy Jr. 

Jestine leaves to cherish her memories, two sisters, Lucille S. Brown of North Brunswick, New Jersey and Edna S. Middleton of Cross, S.C. A special nephew she considered her son, “Her Junie,” whom she loved with all her heart, Isiah (Viola) Smalls of Cross, S.C.; two sisters-in-law; Georgianna Smalls and Annabelle Smalls; two godchildren, Diane (Ralph) Rhodes and Princess (Jason) Simpson whom she loved dearly. Her special friends from New Jersey; Ida Richardson, Billy Baldwin, James Hutson, Cheryl Benjamin, Ron Reeves, and her caretaker Clara Gallion. Family members who stood by her side during her illness; Shanieka Brown, Vera Hamilton, Rose Higgins, Georgia A. (Jeanette) Pinckney. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and guidelines when visiting the family. Masks are not required but encouraged when visiting the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dinah Jestine Smalls, please visit our floral store.