Vera C. NeSmith

Catharines, Ontario, Canada., came to Orlando, Florida in October 1921 with her parents, Edith

and Ernest Cox (formerly of London, England) and became a naturalized citizen of the USA.

She graduated from Orlando High School and Orlando Secretarial School. She was District

Secretary for the Florida Vocational Rehabilitation District Office in Orlando for 42 years,

retiring in 1980; returned to work part-time as a medical secretary in local medical offices, a

year in the Community Mental Health Office then for June F. Kennedy, Eh.D.,Audiologist, for

22 years, retiring at age 88. She married J. Vernon NeSmith in 1966 and/adopted his daughter

Patricia. Vera joined Broadway United Methodist Church in 1932, taught children in Sunday

School for 30 years, was a long-time choir member, served on many committees, member and

past president of Broadway United Methodist Women, member of Sonshiners Circle, member

of the Friendship Sunday School Class, did visitation of the sick in hospitals, nursing homes and

home-bound .. She was a tri-Ievel member of the American Association of Medical Assistants;

held many offices, was a life member of the State Association and Local Chapter, and the

American Biographical Society. She was one of 49 citizens of Orlando to participate in a

recorded interview for the "Life in Orlando's Neighborhoods Oral History Project," sponsored

by the City, She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Vernon NeSmith, parents Ernest and

Edith Cox, brother John E. Cox, sister-in-law Jo Ann Cox, and stepson James E. NeSmith.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Whitley (Steven), stepson John S. NeSmith (Linda);

daughter-in-law Kathryn Castle (James); grandchildren Bret Messer, Naomi Whitley, Ruth

Downer (Timothy), Michelle Rinkavege. Robert Castle, Sonya Jones (Jason),

great grandchildren Spencer and John Rinkavege, Brittany and Coleton Downer, nieces and

nephews, Joy Cox (Godchild), Elaine Norton (Jerald), Emily Strauss (Wayne), Victoria Nicoll

(Benjamin), Ted NeSmith (Jennifer), Raymond NeSmith; great nieces and nephews John P.

and Joseph E. Norton, Kaitlyn H. and Aviella E. Strauss, Peggy Vargas, David Nicoll, Cole,

Cody and Chase NeSmith; great great nieces & nephews Victoria Vargas, Emanuel Zetino,

Marleni Zetino, Christian Zetino, Godson John Pace, M.D., many cousins, extended family members and many

friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Broadway United Methodist Church, on August 27, 2011 at 11 am, followed by a reception for family and friends. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Broadway United Methodist Church, 406 E. Amelia St., Orlando, Florida 32803, or the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, P.O. Box 6299, Deltona, FL 32728-9988.

In memory of Vera Cox NeSmith.