John Lee Smart Jr.
January 13, 1948 ~ June 12, 2025 (age 77) 77 Years Old
John Lee Smart Jr. Life Story
John L. "Johni" Smart, Jr., 77, of Dallas, passed away on June 12, 2025, surrounded by family. Known for his humor, style, generosity, and love for others, Johni brought joy and kindness to everyone he met.
Born in Dallas to the late John and Edna Smart, Johni was one of five children. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Herbert Curtis and Bobby Smart. He is survived by his sister, Sara Whitt, and his brother, Charles Smart, as well as cousins Eddie Etmus and Patti Etmus. Johni and Sara were especially close, and Charles was a steady presence during his illness, faithfully driving him to his chemotherapy appointments.
He is also survived by his nephew and niece, Chris (Krista) Rinehart and Carrie (Carey) Roberson, whom he helped raise and loved as his own. He was "Papa J" to their children: Jacob (Brooke), Emilee (Billy), Micah, Noah, Jeremiah, and Jonah (Kendall). He also held space in his heart for his great-great-niece, Emerson Roberson, who preceded him in death and was deeply loved during her brief life. His love for each of them ran deep and helped shape their lives in meaningful ways.
Johni also dearly loved his niece Laura Curtis; his nephew Matthew (Pattie) Curtis and their children, Michael (Monica) and Taylor (Kyle); and his nephew Nick (Ashley) Smart and their son Kaiden.
Johni leaves behind cherished friends who became family: Matilda Carson, Lynda and Mo El-Mandouh, Bonnie Anne McManamy, Arnold Jack Moudy, and many neighbors from Mail Street, including the Chavez and Ivy families. He also treasured his late friend, Shelia King.
A gifted hairstylist, Johni spent his entire career-more than 50 years-behind the chair alongside his beloved salon partner, Berdia Murphy. Their work together was filled with laughter and deep friendship. Many of his customers became lifelong friends, too, and Johni continued working until the very end.
In 1983, Johni chose sobriety and committed himself to Alcoholics Anonymous. For over 40 years, he supported others with compassion, humor, and honesty.
He will be cremated and laid to rest beside his grandmother in a private burial. The family celebrates the joy and love so many of you shared with Johni over the years - especially his treasured friends and loyal customers, who brought so much happiness into his life.
Born in Dallas to the late John and Edna Smart, Johni was one of five children. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Herbert Curtis and Bobby Smart. He is survived by his sister, Sara Whitt, and his brother, Charles Smart, as well as cousins Eddie Etmus and Patti Etmus. Johni and Sara were especially close, and Charles was a steady presence during his illness, faithfully driving him to his chemotherapy appointments.
He is also survived by his nephew and niece, Chris (Krista) Rinehart and Carrie (Carey) Roberson, whom he helped raise and loved as his own. He was "Papa J" to their children: Jacob (Brooke), Emilee (Billy), Micah, Noah, Jeremiah, and Jonah (Kendall). He also held space in his heart for his great-great-niece, Emerson Roberson, who preceded him in death and was deeply loved during her brief life. His love for each of them ran deep and helped shape their lives in meaningful ways.
Johni also dearly loved his niece Laura Curtis; his nephew Matthew (Pattie) Curtis and their children, Michael (Monica) and Taylor (Kyle); and his nephew Nick (Ashley) Smart and their son Kaiden.
Johni leaves behind cherished friends who became family: Matilda Carson, Lynda and Mo El-Mandouh, Bonnie Anne McManamy, Arnold Jack Moudy, and many neighbors from Mail Street, including the Chavez and Ivy families. He also treasured his late friend, Shelia King.
A gifted hairstylist, Johni spent his entire career-more than 50 years-behind the chair alongside his beloved salon partner, Berdia Murphy. Their work together was filled with laughter and deep friendship. Many of his customers became lifelong friends, too, and Johni continued working until the very end.
In 1983, Johni chose sobriety and committed himself to Alcoholics Anonymous. For over 40 years, he supported others with compassion, humor, and honesty.
He will be cremated and laid to rest beside his grandmother in a private burial. The family celebrates the joy and love so many of you shared with Johni over the years - especially his treasured friends and loyal customers, who brought so much happiness into his life.
© 2026 Hughes Family Tribute Center. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility