Our beloved, Phillip Dale Smoker Jr, “Whistle Necklace”, “Iyazho Wanap’e” was welcomed home to the creator on Monday night, March 7, 2022 at his family home. He was 43 years old. He was not only a son but a brother, an uncle and a grandpa. He was known as “Choya” to his all family and friends.
Choya was born on July 10, 1978 in Wolf Point to Phillip and Rosalie Smoker. He was the third of eight children, as he was the only son and loved that fact. He was a middle child and because he was the only boy his sisters catered to him. He attended and graduated from Frazer School with honors and was the Valedictorian of his class of 1996. Choya played many sports in his high school career and excelled at basketball. He also participated in cross country and track.
In his younger years he enjoyed hunting with has dad, Phillip Sr. and he danced traditional in his youth and enjoyed attending pow-wows with his family all over.
He loved to cook and try out new recipes he would make for his family. His family would brag about how delicious his food he’d make and he enjoyed cooking his famous ribs for his mom and Aunty Rose.
Choya enlisted in the United States Army in 1997 but due because he developed asthma he received a medical discharge. Choya attended DeVry College in Phoenix, AZ and majored in Computer Graphics Science. After a year he came home and attended college off and on at Fork Peck Community College. Before he could finish Choya was in a car accident that affected him and the loss of use of his left arm. Choya was very intelligent and loved to learn new things. He would research about anything and visit about what he learnt. He liked to share his knowledge.
He enjoyed family gatherings and he loved his family as he was happy to see them all when they’d come to visit. He was big on giving all his sisters, nephews and nieces nicknames. He had a nickname for everyone who meant something to him. He liked to joke around and make everyone laugh.
He had many friends that he cared for and he loved to go around and visit with his family and friends. He would load up his friends or sisters and go for a cruise either the small town of Frazer or Wolf Point. He enjoyed his cars he would hook up his radio system and bass. He was known for always basing. If he wasn’t out cruising he would be jamming out in his room. He loved to listen to music. Always sharing whatever music he thought was good with his sisters. He also loved watching TV or movies with his mom. They would watch Sci-Fi movies or Crime shows together for hours.
We celebrate our son, brother, uncle and grandpa Phillip “Choya” Dale Smoker Jr. life. He was taken too soon from us. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten. Fly High with the Angles brother until we meet again.
Choya is survived by his mother, Rosalie Smoker, his sisters; Sonya Smoker, Tiana Smoker (Mike DeWitt), Sheena Smoker, Teera Smoker, Rhea Smoker and Donell Smoker. His nephews; Saunder St. Marks, DeShon Smoker-DeWitt and Tracye Smoker-DeWitt and DeShane Smoker. His beloved nieces Kaylandra St. Marks and DeShaya Smoker, MiKaya Smoker-DeWitt, Milayna Smoker –DeWitt, KiAnn Smoker-Randall, Kellyn Smoker-Randall and Jessa Smoker-Nelligan. His grandkids Amara and Elijah Smoker-DeWitt. His special auntie Rose Smoker-White. And many relatives too many to mention them all.
Choya is preceded in death with his dad, Phillip Smoker Sr., His sister Lonell Smoker, his niece Jaceen Smoker, his maternal grandparents Josephine and Wilson Jackson, His paternal grandparents Pauline and Allyn Smoker Sr.
A wake will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022 at the Frazer Community Hall. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at the Frazer Community Hall. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Richard White Owl III says
Fly High Nephew,Love You Always.😓
Ethelyn Moccasin says
My condolences and prayers to the family..🙏
Jonny BearCub says
Prayers and thoughts of comfort for the family.
Chelbi Brugh says
My sincere condolences to the Smoker Family ❤
Shari says
My sincere condolences to ur families.
David E. Boyd Sr. says
Prayers for all the family and say hello to your dad from me and our family.
Jonny BearCub says
Condolences and prayers sent for comfort and strength as you prepare to celebrate Choya’s life. He is flying high with the Angels and having a joyful reunion in Paradise. Keeping the Smoker and Jackson families in my prayers.
Marian Clincher-Montclair says
Sending very heartfelt condolences to the mother, Rosalie Smoker. I don’t know if you would remember my sister, her name was Carol Clincher from Poplar. If you are not the Ms. Smoker she met, sorry for bothering you. But if you are the right Ms. Smoker, I wanted to tell you that I am sorry for your loss, I know what it’s like to lose a son. I lost 2 of them, in 2015 my youngest son and in 2016 the oldest of the 7 sons passed away. Just wanted to know if you were the one who gave my sister some comfort with your kindness and friendship towards her. I will remember you & your family in my daily prayers, in Jesus name. Amen. I live in Poplar and am listed in the phone book if you need to get ahold of me. Take care, God be with you.
Danielle Rocker Deserly says
My deepest condolences to the family…
Donald Boyd says
Prayers And Condolences To The Smoker Family In The Days Ahead..
DORAL Doney-Sibley says
I love you GodBrother/Cousin Choya, you will be forever missed and I know you are up there with Our Great Spirit and all our relations dancing and singing it up and having a grand ol time. Please hug my baby DirkX, Momma, Brother Johnny Dale, GodDad Uncle Phillip and everyone up there with you for me. You are an amazing person and a great man and gave so much of yourself to your family and friends. You were one of the most unselfish and giving spirits I ever knew and I am so honored and grateful to have had you in my life, and now to have you up above protecting and watching over me and all our family. Your legacy is instilled in all those you shared your life, love, and wisdom with, you will be eternally loved. Again, thank you for all the love you gave and have for all our huge family. You were definitely one of a kind, my dear God Brother/Cousin and we will forever carry on your memories in your honor. All my LOVE and PRAYERS to your Momma (GodMom/Antie Rosie), our beautiful Sisters (Sonya, Tiana, Sheena, Teera, Rhea, twin Donell) and all our beautiful family. Forever loved and never forgotten, you are the greatest CUZ Choya!!! Peace my beautiful Brother!
Christine holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest Condolences. May you be comforted by the love of family, friends and good memories of Choya. May you also be healed and find hope in the love of the Creator and knowledge that he has passed on into the arms of the Creator and his family on the other side.
Lifting you up in prayer.
Gina Youpee says
Prayers go out to the Smoker family..
Raymond Dolezilek says
So sad. Joseline and Wilson were my relatives.