Lela "Lee" Smith

Lela “Lee” Smith, age 87, but still claiming 21, of East Gulf, passed away at Beckley Healthcare Center on Friday, August 23, 2024. Born on March 31, 1937, in Wyoming County, she was the youngest and last of 10 siblings born to Emmett and Effie Halsey Sizemore.

Mrs. Lee, as she was known, was a homemaker and lifelong resident of East Gulf. Her front porch was a beloved gathering place for friends and family, where legendary tales, yarns, and discussions of life, sports, and humor were enjoyed by all. She hosted epic poker games, Rook card games, and heated games of Aggravation with her besties, Katie, Bib, and Greta Greco. In addition, her passion for WVU Mountaineers, eccentric hats, and outrageous costumes highlighted her vibrant sense of humor. Her kindness, generosity, and deep love for family were held dear by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son Gary Smith and his wife Pam; daughter and caregiver Dewanna Lester; as well as Tina Nelson and her husband Mark, Galen Jones and his wife Kassie, and Erica McGaw, whom she considered her daughters and son. She is also survived by her special granddaughter Danielle “Angel Face” Jones; grandson Jamie Smith and his wife Tiffany Jenkins; granddaughter Destiny Smith; Britani Crawford and husband Michael; Chuck Wiseman and significant other Jen Davis; Nikki Garretson and Husband Kevin; Stephen Mullens and wife Angela; and her great-granddaughter Isabella Smith. Additionally, she leaves behind Glenna Burdiss and Dana Spencer, whom she considered sisters, along with her hundreds of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A special mention goes to Penny McGraw and Peggy Viars for visiting, praying, and singing with her during her stay at the nursing home.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Smitty” Smith, her two brothers Garland Sizemore and Glen Sizemore, and her seven sisters Mildred Mercer, Erma Justice, Mary Lee Spencer, Wilma Stewart, Margie McGraw, Vivian Farruggia, and her best friend and sister Kethel “Katie” Jones, along with all of their husbands and wives.

A celebration of her life with Family and Friends will be held at The Blue Ridge Funeral Home Friday August 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Bill Spencer and Mark Nelson officiating with Mausoleum committal to follow afterward.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to Hospice of Southern WV, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley WV 25801.

Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhomebeckley.com

Blue Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 5251 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley is honored to be serving the family