Vera E. Smith

Vera Edna Smith, 91, passed away October 12th at Ridgeland Pointe in Ridgeland, MS. A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 17th, at 1:00 at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS. The Reverend Tom Washburn will officiate. A visitation will follow the service at Parkway.

Miss Smith is survived by her sister Gladys Smith Gilmore of Jackson; niece, Alison Smith Ross of Columbus, GA; niece Amy Smith Atkins of Dallas, TX; nephew Dr. Hugh Cam Smith, Jr.; and many great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her two brothers, William Roy Smith and Hugh Cam Smith, Sr.

Miss Smith was born in Shaw, Mississippi on May 17, 1923 to Hugh and Mattie Edna Smith. She graduated from Shaw High School in 1941 with an academic scholarship to Delta State University. While at Delta State, she played basketball, was president of the Student Council, and was elected Miss Delta State. She later obtained two masters’ degrees.

After graduation, she began her 43-year career teaching. Her career included positions at Ruleville High School, Greenwood, Jones County Jr. College, Central High School, Career Development Center, and Jackson Prep.

Vera had an adventurous spirit and lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed travel, especially her visit to the Holy Land as it deepened her personal faith. Vera was an avid reader, and a faithful friend. She was a member of Bob Pittman’s Bible Class at first Baptist Church of Jackson. Her favorite volunteer position at church was the weekly men’s Bible Study.

She valued relationships, enjoyed many friends, was committed to helping others through much volunteer work. She was a wonderful aunt and, in many ways, she was a second mother to her two nieces. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Senior Ministries at First Baptist Church, Jackson or Hospice Ministries.