YVONNE ZIMMERMAN SMITHERS

SMITHERS, Yvonne Z., beloved mother and grandmother, devoted sister and friend, left this world peacefully and honorably to go be with the Lord on Saturday, July 6, 2013, surrounded by her family. Known by many as simply "Von," she will be sorely missed for many reasons and not the least of which was her sharp wit. Those of us who knew her can almost envision her wry smile as she wanted to be remembered for having a 'slightly opinionated' manner. Yes, she made no bones about having her own opinion, which was only fitting given her larger than life persona. She loved deeply, lived life fully and was ardently passionate. Entertaining, cooking and music were predominant passions and she was the most content when surrounded by family and friends. In the end though, her body yielded to multiple health issues, all of which she valiantly resisted. Mom was beautiful. Born in Charlottesville on March 20, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Clarence C. Zimmerman Sr. and Christine Clements Zimmerman. She was also preceded in death by her husband, the honorable William S. Smithers Jr; and her siblings, Claudia Z. Williams, Clarence C. Zimmerman Jr. and Carol Z. May. Von is survived by her children, Theresa P. Lynch, Thomas W. White Jr. and his wife, Amy, and Myrna A. White, all of Charlottesville; four grandchildren, Aubrey, Will, Mallory and Carter; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Harry T. Zimmerman Sr., Randolph B. Zimmerman Sr. and Franklin H. Zimmerman, all of Charlottesville; a brother-in-law, Tommy Williams; special cousin, June Wood; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Shortly after marrying, Von lived in Richmond for nearly 45 years, but lived in Charlottesville and Virginia Beach as well. An intelligent and highly capable paralegal for 40 years, she loved the law and was once honored as legal secretary of the year. She was also nominated as a delegate to the national convention. Entrepreneurialism was among her numerous other accolades and she founded "Von's Luncheonette" in the downtown mall, which had a faithful following of customers long before being in the downtown mall was the cool thing to do. Although she left us far too soon by our estimation, she did so with grace and elegance. Now we entrust her to softer, infinitely more capable hands. It's likely we've underestimated the void left by her departure. And yet, we're comforted by the quiet conviction of her words upon not-so welcome news from the doctor, "I love the Lord and the Lord loves me and he'll take care of me." We love you too, Mom, and know He does. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Hill and Wood Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the Hill and Wood Chapel with Bobby Sylvia and Clinton Goff officiating. Interment will follow in Monticello Memory Gardens. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.