Vera Wallen Smith

ALEXANDER—Vera Wallen Smith, age 84, of Pinecrest Dr., died Saturday, June 16, 2012. Vera, born July 29, 1927 in Madison County, resided for most of her life in Weaverville in Buncombe County. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Dewey and Nellie Gosnell Wallen and was the wife of the late Robert Wiley Smith who died in 2003. Surviving are her son, Richard Smith and wife Jennifer of Alexander; sister, Eva England of Weaverville; grandsons, Cameron and wife Staci and Benjamin Smith; step-granddaughters, Janet Wilson and Julie MacDonald; great grandchildren, Ivy and Mitchell Smith; step-great grandchildren, Luke and Nathan MacDonald; and nieces and nephews. Vera graduated from Weaverville High School with the class of 1944, and attended Blanton's Business College. She worked as an executive secretary in the research department of American Enka from 1955 to 1960. Her later working years were devoted to a myriad of administrative duties associated with her husband's real estate sales and homebuilding business in Weaverville. Vera's Christian faith was the foundation of her love and devotion as a wife, mother and grandmother, and extended beyond in service to her Lord and fellowman. As a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Weaverville, she taught Sunday school and served in numerous other capacities. She would wish it known that much of her spiritual growth occurred during membership in the Asheville Chapter of the Stonecroft Christian Women's Club of America, for which she served as prayer advisor in 1986. For her community she chaired the Heart Fund drive for Weaverville in 1964 and received the Association's Founders Award for its success. In 1967 she served as President of Weaverville Friends of the Library. Even though Vera found pleasure in the various activities of her life, her foremost desire was that she be remembered as woman of prayer who claimed God's promises revealed to her through Jeremiah 29:11. Her funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at First Baptist Church, Weaverville with Revs. Jim McCoy and Cameron Smith officiating. Entombment will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 12:30—2:15 Tuesday at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider: First Baptist Church, Master Plan, P O Box 547, Weaverville, NC 28787. West Funeral Home, Weaverville is in charge of arrangements. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. Smith's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.