Mildred Smith Obituary

HAMPTON - Mrs. Mildred M. Smith 83, of Hampton, Va. Passed away on May 1, at Sentara Careplex in Hampton, Va. Mrs. Smith, named Tidewater's Rosa Parks, by news anchor Don Roberts, for her participation in the 1963 case, "Smith vs Dixie Hospital, in which three Black nurses were fired for eating in the white only cafeteria. The decision in this landmark case is largely responsible for the integration of hospitals in the State of Virginia. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles Smith, two brothers James and Joseph McNeil and one sister Marion Branch. Her passing is grieved by her sister Thelma Scott (James), her brother George Whiting (Devora); two sons Robert H. Smith, Jr. (Patricia) and Tyrone A. Smith (Brenda Kay); three grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a number of nieces, nephews and friends. The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Philip Dennis and the Sentara Hospital Medical staff. Special thanks to three of her closest friends, Ms. Annie Thomas, Mrs. Mattie Wyatt and Mrs. Vertie Porter affectionately known as "The Calvary" because they always came to the rescue! A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 11:00am at Queen Street Baptist Church, 98 North Armistead Ave. Hampton, Va. 23669. The family will receive friends Friday, May 10th from 6-7pm at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel 1601-27th St. Newport News, VA 23607.

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Published by Daily Press on May 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Mildred Smith

9 Entries

Andrea Bizzle

May 21, 2013

It was a pleasure caring for Mrs Smith as her Skilled Nurse,we would talk about Nursing during each of my visits. Although my visits were rather short they were always very enlightening,I will never forget her. To the family God bless and stay strong.

Stella S. Byrd

May 14, 2013

Dear Tyrone and Bobby,
Although it has been years since I have seen your mother I always had the utmost respect for her. May God be with you and your family.

May 11, 2013

Dear Smith Family,
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you at this time. It is difficult to imagine "Greenbriar" without "Lil Meechie".Once again the chain has been broken.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you and pray that God will continually bless all of you.

Mildred Stewart, Lillian Washington and the Bailey Family

Ethel Woods

May 11, 2013

My husband, Melvin and I met “Ms. Meechie” almost 20 years ago in church. I found her to be a caring Sister, Mother, Aunt and Grandmother, but most of all a “child of God.” She occasionally favored us with an eloquent, but enthusiastic poem. Ms. Meechie sang on the Sundays I played at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church. The energy she exuded singing “I'll Go If I Have To Go By Myself” is unmatched. Family, although we all love and miss her already,we know she is with Jesus! Our family takes comfort in believing that our loved ones are waiting in heaven to welcome us when we make our final journey. All we have to do is live so God can use us as His vessels and we will see them again. God Bless You. Ethel Woods-Williamsburg, VA Contact us at: [email protected]

Karen Davenport-Bazemore

May 11, 2013

My mother Marie Davenport and Ms. Meechie were nurses at Whittaker Hospital in Newport News. We were also neighbors. She will be missed. I can still see her smiling and waving at the end of the driveway when I droved by. Find strength in prayer and each other.

Ursula & Roger Barkers

May 10, 2013

Dear Smith Family,
May your fond memories of Mrs. Smith soon replace the feelings of pain and sorrow you feel now. Greenbriar Avenue won't ever be the same without our dear Mrs. Smith, a woman who was loved and respected by so many.
Sincerely,
Ursula and Roger Barkers

Jackie Snow

May 10, 2013

Mrs. Smith's family, you have my deepest love and prayers. Continue in love and faith. God Bless You.

The Swinton Family

May 10, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Olivia James-Cherry, Pres.

May 9, 2013

God's blessings to the family of our classmate Mildred McMcNeil Smith, (George P. Phenix High School class of 1946),friend, and worrior ('for RIGHTS') rights'). Mildred (we called her Meechie fondly) was one on which you could always depend. She really supported 'her class'. To the family be assured that God does not make any mistakes. We loved her so very much and will miss her as you will. But have heart, we shall see her again. Until then continue to strengthen each other in the lord.
The George P. Phenix High School class of 1946, Hampton, Virginia

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