Pharoah R. Smalls

  Pharoah Raheem Smalls was born on January 13, 1975, at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in Bronx, New York, to the late George Andrew Smalls and Gloria Jones of North Carolina.  His life transitioned on December 18, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

  Pharoah was raised in Springfield by the late Jennie Scott Jones, whom he lovingly and proudly called “Ma”.  From a young age, he stood out as a gifted athlete, excelling at the Dunbar Community Center and Commerce High School.  His talent and dedication earned him a scholarship to Lawrence Academy, where he continued to shine both on and off the court.  Following his time at Lawrence Academy, Pharoah went on to pursue a degree in Liberal Arts at UMass Lowell.

  Pharoah had a deep love for his community and a lifelong commitment to uplifting young people.  Whether working with Brightside or Job Corps, he devoted his time and energy to guiding and inspiring youth.  His passion for people also led him into the entertainment world, where he founded P. Smalls Entertainment – an influential presence in the late 1990’s that brought countless talents and memorable moments to the area.

  In the early 2000’s, Pharoah expanded his entrepreneurial spirit into real estate and several business ventures, including a convenience store and the beloved Wingz & Wafflez.  No matter the role he played – mentor, businessman, entertainer, or friend – Pharoah left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved mother, Gloria Jones of North Carolina.

  He is survived by his sisters, Brenda Walden of Springfield, Traedonya C. Jones of New Jersey, and Tia Scott of Connecticut.  He is now reunited with his late sisters, Kathleen Hanson, Diana Wheeler, and Betty Watford.

  He leaves to cherish his memory his nieces, Bennita Watford of Pittsfield; Trezure Campbell of Worcester; September Henriquez of New Jersey; NyWarren Smith of Connecticut; and his late niece, Nina Hanson – along with a host of other nieces and beloved goddaughters.

  He is also survived by his nephews, William Hanson Jr. of Virginia Beach and Terrance Walden of Springfield, who stood by his side through both good times and bad.  Together, they were business partners and built a bond that could never be broken.

  He also leaves behind Taurean Walden of Springfield and Jair Houston of Chicopee; the Watford nephews of Springfield and Pittsfield; the Wheeler Family of Virginia, Springfield, and Maryland; the Scott nephews of Massachusetts; and many other beloved nephews and godchildren.

He is now reunited in eternal rest with his late nephews, Maurice Wheeler and Shawndell Hanson.

The calling hour is 10-11 a.m. Friday at St. John’s Congregational Church, followed by funeral services at 11, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.

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