Vertelle Smith

Vertelle Smith, born on December 28, 1928, in Swansea, South Carolina, passed away on December 29, 2025. Born 12-28-1928 in Swansea, South Carolina was Vertelle Martin. Born to Samuel Peter Martin and Annie Francis Martin, she was the oldest child of 7. When our mother was 7 years old her parents relocated to Tuckahoe, NY where our mother attended William E Cottle Elementary School. The family relocated to Yonkers, NY where our mother then attended Longfellow Middle School and then Roosevelt HS which is where she graduated and received special honors in sports playing Volleyball and Softball.

In her early 20’s mom wed Donald E. Smith and bore 7 children. She was a faithful wife and devoted mother to all of us.

Our mother loved life and loved her children. She was and will always be our rock. She was no nonsense, resilient, nurturing and simply graceful. She loved music and dancing.

Our mother was always a very proud woman. In her younger years she worked at MA Bell. She always valued her family and her friendships. Her warm smile, continual acts of kindness and her compassion towards others will always be remembered.

Our mother made her 97th Birthday 12-28-2025 and peacefully passed away on 12-29-2025

She leaves behind a legacy that will echo through the generations along with her sister Mildred J. Martin, her children Marquis, Martin, Ross, Donna and Annette along with many nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren

She will meet again her mother and father, aunts and uncles, brothers, Willy Clay, Samuel Jr, Clinton, her sisters, Bernice and Deborah, her sons Douglas and Darrell and how glorious it will be.

Our mother will always be cherished and in our memory.

WE LOVE YOU MOM.

Visiting hours will be at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Monday January 5th from 4-8pm. A prayer service will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday January 6th at 10am. Interment will follow at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla.