Virginia Viola Smith
Virginia Viola Smith, 98, Rochester, passed away at 7:28 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at Hickory Creek at Rochester.
Virginia was born to Orbie (OG) and Marjorie (Jones) Bryant on Feb. 8, 1922, in Miami County. She grew up in Macy, a proud cheerleader for the Macy High School Yellowjackets.
She married her high school sweetheart, R. Wayne Smith, in January 1940. She grew up with a brother and sister, who died in childhood. She enjoyed living in Macy in its heyday, where she was a member of the Macy Mother’s Club, a very active and social group of ladies.
She moved to Rochester when Wayne took a job at Haskett & Smith Insurance, now Smith, Sawyer & Smith Insurance. She stayed home and raised her four children and was active in school activities, Grace United Methodist Church, Tri Kappa and various community volunteer projects.
Once her children were in school she became the secretary of Lincoln Middle School, which stood where the current Fulton County Public Library Arboretum now stands. This turned out to be her perfect vocation, as she loved maintaining a welcoming office where she always listened to children.
She enjoyed the camaraderie with the teachers and staff. When other memories failed her, she always talked about being at school. She was a loving wife, caring mother and dear friend. She enjoyed playing bridge, golf and anything her grandchildren were doing. Everyone who met her liked her. The family cherishes the memories of her organizing family events, holidays and swimming parties at the house, her cooking, and the annual trip to St. Louis to watch the Cardinals play.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Sandy (Jack) Sawyer, Rochester, Terry (Rebecca) Smith, Peru, Ron (Maurine) Smith, Rochester, and Mart Smith, Rochester; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, in 2003; her parents; brother Orbie Glen Bryant Jr.; and sister Eva Lucille Bryant.
A private graveside service will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester. Memorial contributions may be made to the Outlet Youth Center or to Grace United Methodist Church. Arrangements are handled by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.