Brenda Poole Smith

Brenda Poole Smith was born on January 17, 1948, in Pelzer, South Carolina, to Willie G. Hamilton and Imogene Avery, who preceded her in death. She was raised with love, resilience, and strong values that shaped the woman so many came to admire.

Brenda carried a quiet strength, a generous heart, and a spirit grounded in faith. She had a natural gift for making people feel welcome through her warmth, kindness, and gentle presence. Wherever she was, there was comfort and a sense of home.

Education was one of Brenda's great passions. She graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1970 with a Bachelor's degree in English, where she was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Baptist Student Union, and the Literary Guild. She later earned a Master's degree in English from Illinois State University, reflecting her lifelong love of language and learning.

In 1976, Brenda made her home in Alexandria, Virginia, where she met her husband, Louis L. Smith, who preceded her in death. They were married on September 18, 1976, at Beulah Baptist Church, beginning a life rooted in love, faith, and service.

Brenda devoted her career to education, serving as a teacher with Alexandria City Public Schools at Minne Howard, George Washington Middle School, and Francis C. Hammond Middle School. She was known for her dedication, impeccable penmanship, love of proper grammar, and genuine care for her students.

Faith was the foundation of Brenda's life. She joined Beulah Baptist Church in 1976 and served faithfully for nearly 49 years as a Deaconess, Assistant Church Clerk, and Sunday School Teacher. Before her passing, she was ordained as a Deacon, reflecting her deep devotion to God and His church.

Above all, Brenda cherished her family. She found joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her love was steady and unconditional.

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Willie C. Poole; her son, Christopher Louis Smith (Jamella); her daughter, Nancy Elizabeth-Alise Smith (Jessie); her stepdaughter, Penny Laverne Crawley; her grandchildren, Aaliyah Renee Smith, Noella Christina Louise Smith, Donnelle Crawley, Tomica Crawley, and Kenneth Brissette; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Brenda will be remembered for her faith-filled life, gentle strength, and enduring love. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in the lives she touched.

Memorial Service will be held:
Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10 am at Beulah Baptist Church, 320 S. Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Beulah's Education Ministry in memory of their mother, Deacon Brenda Poole Smith.