Joseph Edward Smith

On August 7, 2012, Joseph E. Smith departed this life at the age of 108. Joseph was born January 14, 1904, and raised in a Mennonite household in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He moved to the Tidewater area in the early 1930’s and on to Virginia Beach (formerly Princess Anne County) in 1954. At the time of his passing, Joseph had been a resident at Marian Manor since 2007. Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Kirby Franklin and Bessie Miller Smith, siblings Elizabeth Burkholder, Wilda Eaton, Louise Burkholder, Rose Lambert, and Robert Smith. In 1995, Joseph lost his beloved wife of 58 years, Mattie Manby Smith. Left to cherish his memory are son Donald Smith (Katie) and daughter Dr. Laura McMillan (Roger); grandchildren Jeffery O’Brien and Jodi Weiss; great grandchildren Danielle Lawson, Joshua Weiss, and Jonah Weiss; brother Kirby Smith, Jr.; niece Joyce Jones, nephew Alvah Manby, Jr., and numerous other nieces and nephews. Joseph was treasured and loved as a consummate gentleman with a gentle, sweet spirit that never waivered throughout his life. He was a long-time member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach and Kempsville Masonic Lodge 196. In July 2012, Joseph was honored for 60 years of membership in the Masonic fraternity and recognized as the oldest living Mason in Virginia. In honor of his 108th birthday, the mayor declared January 14, 2012, to be Joseph E. Smith day in Virginia Beach. The family would like to express deepest gratitude to the staff and residents of Marian Manor for the loving kindness, devoted care, and friendship bestowed upon Joseph for the past five years. Special thanks to Desiree, Chris, Gary, Keith and the nursing staff for kindness beyond measure. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 13, at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Reception to follow in the parish hall. Memorial donations may be made to an animal welfare organization of choice or Emmanuel Episcopal Church Building Fund, 5181 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach 23462. Please share your condolences with the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com