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Regular Session, 2012
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 13
BY SENATOR MORRELL
CONDOLENCES. Expresses condolences upon the death of Gentilly neighborhood legend,
Leon "Smokey" Brier.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the2
death of Leon "Smokey" Brier, a lifelong resident of the Gentilly neighborhood in3
New Orleans, Louisiana, and a man of character known for his good deeds and kind4
heart.5
WHEREAS, Smokey Brier was a compassionate person filled with the milk of6
human kindness, a true gentleman, and genuine friend to all; and7
WHEREAS, Smokey Brier was born February 17, 1913, on Orleans Avenue near8
Bayou St. John and celebrated his ninety-ninth birthday this year; and9
WHEREAS, he served his country in World War II in both the European and Pacific10
Theatres of War as a company cook in Marseilles, France and Okinawa, Japan; and11
WHEREAS, when he returned to New Orleans after an honorable discharge, he was12
employed in several occupations throughout the city that included work as a clothing presser13
for a laundry; and14
WHEREAS, having worked all of his life, Smokey Brier was a self-made man, who15
learned the value of generosity, positive motivation, and friendship; he also knew that life16
was worthy of living to its fullest; he had a vitality about him that was infectious; and he17
lifted the spirits of those around him with a wink and a smile; and18 SCR NO. 13
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WHEREAS, from his two-story yellow house on Gentilly Boulevard, Smokey Brier1
warmly greeted everyone who passed by his front door, invited them to sit on the porch for2
awhile, shared a story or two, laughed, and discussed the happenings of the day in his role3
as the charismatic mayor and spiritual father of the neighborhood; and4
WHEREAS, Smokey was a fixture at every Jazz Fest as he loved to listen to music5
and to dance and he would ride his three-wheeled bike down to the French Quarter to be6
moved by the rhythms drifting in the streets and to dance with all the pretty ladies; and7
WHEREAS, Smokey Brier felt a gladness in his heart and a closeness to his God as8
he regularly attended mass at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church; and9
WHEREAS, he was a loving and dedicated husband of fifty-two years to his beloved10
wife, Bernice Despues Brier, until her passing in 1987; and11
WHEREAS, he was born before the advent of television, digital technology, or space12
travel, but was a witness to man's walk on the moon, miracles of medicine, and many other13
technical wonders that were unheard of only a few short decades ago; and14
WHEREAS, Smokey Brier had witnessed all manner of historic and political15
milestones during his near century of living that included women's suffrage, the Modern16
Civil Rights Movement, minority voting rights legislation, and in 2008, proudly cast his vote17
for the election of President of the United States, Barack Obama; and18
WHEREAS, Smokey was a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan since the 1960s and19
reveled in the glory of their 2010 Super Bowl victory; and20
WHEREAS, with his keen attention to detail, Smokey shared his life's experiences,21
local history, and childhood memories with family and friends, who then gazed in wonder22
as they heard of the events he had seen and participated in, firsthand; and23
WHEREAS, Smokey Brier was the embodiment of the joy of living, joie de vivre,24
empathy, strength, and comfort; the genuine article, a true altruist who cared for everyone,25
and whose compassion for his fellow man knew no bounds; and26
WHEREAS, Smokey Brier was struck down on February 23, 2012, not by the27
ravages of time for he was in excellent health, but by the heinous act of another, someone28
who snuffed out his light needlessly and thoughtlessly; and29
WHEREAS, upon his untimely death, the community lost a unique individual and30 SCR NO. 13
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a colorful character who left such an indelible mark upon the lives of all who knew and1
loved him and benefitted from his thoughtfulness and generous spirit; and2
WHEREAS, he is survived by a daughter, Jean Brier Craddock, four grandchildren,3
ten great-grandchildren, thirteen great-great-grandchildren, and a host of family members4
and many, many close friends. 5
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby6
express sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Leon "Smokey" Brier,7
whose passing leaves a tear in the fabric of the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans. 8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to his9
daughter, Jean Brier Craddock.10
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Susan P. Montague.
DIGEST
Morrell SCR No. 13
Expresses condolences upon the death of Leon "Smokey" Brier of New Orleans.