Virginia Aileen Smith

Virginia Aileen (Combs) Smith, 93, died Friday, January 2, 2015 at St. John's Hospice. Virginia was born October 6, 1921 in Farina, Illinois, the daughter of Ira D. and Blanche Combs. She attended First United Methodist Church and was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. She taught school in Paxton, IL and at McClernand Elementary in Springfield, where she retired in 1984. She continued to substitute teach in the Springfield Public Schools for many years following her retirement. She married James Watson Smith on June 5, 1943, in Charleston, IL and together they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in 2014; he survives. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Richard Combs. She is also survived by a daughter, Suzanna J. Smith (husband, Steve) Preckwinkle of Springfield; a son, James P. Smith of Apex, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Amy Shepherd of Nashville, TN, James (wife, Emily) Preckwinkle and Sarah (husband, Daton) Kaisner, both of Springfield, Erin (husband, Adam) Cook and Michael Smith, both of Apex, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering and Memorial Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until the time of the Memorial Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 South 6th St., Springfield with Pastor John Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Hospital Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62769 or Mini O'Bierne Crisis Nursery, 1011 North 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702.