Elsie W. Smith

Portsmouth - Elsie Lucille Wilkins Smith, 89, died on January 6, 2010. She was born in Portsmouth, VA on November 24, 1920, the youngest child of Adeline White Wilkins and David Lee Owens Wilkins. Mrs. Smith attended Portsmouth Public Schools and graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1937 of I. C. Norcom High School. A widow, she married Emmerson R. Smith on December 26, 1941. Her new husband was one of Portsmouth's first young men to be drafted, as the country built-up its defense in preparation for World War II. Soon after their marriage, he deployed to North Africa and Europe. Elsie Smith waited for his return for more than three years. During that time, she worked at a candy factory located on Crawford Street. When the war ended, they settled in Portsmouth to start a family. As a homemaker, she was very faithful to her husband and two children, Alexis and Emmerson. She always maintained a home of cheer and joy. There were constant colorful activities for the family and neighborhood children. After her two children moved on to college, she was able to pursue one of her endearing passions, the education of children. For a number of years, she worked with the Head Start Program hosted by Emmanuel AME Church. From there, she moved to a substitute teacher position at Brighton Elementary School. After working in education, she continued with many of her rewarding hobbies. She was an avid lifelong gardener and enjoyed many hours with her husband refinishing antique furniture and looking after the many family pets. Her final years were spent at the Maryview Nursing Care Center. There she put on several noted programs on Portsmouth and Black History. She received numerous acclaims for her efforts. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Emmerson (Diane) and Alexis, three grandchildren, Timothy Pillus, Marcus Smith and Chrispas Smith, five great grandchildren and many cherished relatives and friends. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 4 – 7pm in J.T. Fisher Funeral Services, 1080 N. George Washington Highway, Chesapeake, VA. A life celebration service will be held 2 pm on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at J. T. Fisher Funeral Services Chapel. J. T. Fisher Funeral Services will handle the final care arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.jtfisherfuneralservices.com.

Elsie W. Smith

November 24, 1920 - January 6, 2010