Estelle C. Smith

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, God in His infinite wisdom called from labor to reward one of His earthly angels, Estelle C. Smith of 21206 White Oak Road, Petersburg, VA (Dinwiddie County).

She was a native of Dinwiddie County, born April 13, 1909, to the late Benjamin and Elector Jones. She was married to the late Charlie R. Smith and the mother of 14 children. She accepted Christ at the age of 13 and joined the Olive Branch Baptist Church, Dinwiddie. She was the oldest member of Olive Branch, and being steadfast in her faith, she remained faithful until her health declined.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend.

She is remembered for her kind spirit and sweet personality.

She was admired for her strength and determination. She was preceded in death by four sons: Charles Smith, David Smith, Earl Smith and John Smith and one daughter, Madeline Smith Nesbitt.

She leaves to cherish her precious and loving memory, three daughters, Lillian Crawley and Lucille Blackwell (Howard) of Dinwiddie, and Jean Perkins of Petersburg; six sons, Franklin (Dorothy) and Lawrence of Petersburg, Andrew (Brenda), Henry and Thomas (Mary) of Dinwiddie; and Lewis of Detroit, Mich.; two daughters-in-law, Marian Smith of Petersburg and Bertha Smith of Blackstone; a number of grandchildren; great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Her testimony was "God has always stood by my side." She would often say "I've been blessed and I'm still being blessed."

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Olive Branch Baptist Church, Dinwiddie, with the Rev. Kevin Northam officiating. Interment will be in the Smith Family Cemetery, Dinwiddie. The remains will rest at the church on Friday from 11:45 a.m. until the hour of service. The immediate family will assemble at the residence at noon. Pallbearers and friends will assemble at the church at 12:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at Tucker Funeral Home Thursday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. Services under the direction of Tucker Funeral Home, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg.