Virginia Lee Smith

1946 - 2025

Virginia Lee Smith, 79, of Deer Park, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on May 12, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Virginia was raised in Texas City, and graduated from Texas City High School in 1964. By the time she graduated, she had already given birth to two of her three children-beginning her journey of motherhood with courage and devotion at a young age.

Virginia's life was marked by an unwavering dedication to service-both professionally and personally. She began her career as a secretary at the Celanese Plant and went on to work in the tax office for the City of Deer Park. Her career also included roles with the Harris County Appraisal District, in real estate and insurance sales, and, most meaningfully, in elder care. She served as the activity director at San Jacinto Manor Nursing Home, the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce and retired in January 2016 as Supervisor of the Maxwell Senior Adult Center in Deer Park. Virginia also played a vibrant role in her community through her work with the city of Deer Park, where she led and organized many of the city's beloved banquets and parades. Her compassion, creativity, and leadership left a lasting legacy in every role she filled.

Virginia had a vibrant personality that lit up every room she entered. She was silly, funny, and beautiful-inside and out. Virginia received tremendous joy from helping others, especially those who were in need or going through difficult times. She was known for her sense of style and sparkle-she loved anything with bling and was always dressed to the nines. A true glamour girl at heart, Virginia had a passion for makeup, especially her endless bottles of perfume, and she never went without her favorite lipsticks.

Her greatest joy came from her family. She was devoted to her children and found endless pride in her thirteen grandchildren and growing group of great-grandchildren. To them, she was affectionately known as Nena-a name that carried all the love, comfort, and joy she so naturally gave. Anytime anyone in her family had a problem or needed help, they called their Nena.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Smith; her mother, Mary Tarter; father, Harold Potts; and her brothers, Robert Crawford and Harold Tarter.

She is survived by her children: Tammy Jackson of Katy; Shawn Bradford of Poteet; Jenny Sharp and husband David of Deer Park; and Terri Strong and husband Tommy, also of Deer Park. Her beloved grandchildren include: Chris Bradford, Teresa Anslum and husband Larry, Chelsey Carpenter and husband Seth, Becky Hermis, Jacob West and wife Lanie, Joey West, Brad and Nick Jackson, Jordan Dunn and wife Allie, Jenna Tabuena and husband Steven, Hailey and Grace Sharp, and Andy Strong. She was also blessed with 12 1/2 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the city of Deer Park Theatre and Courts building located at 1302 Center Street on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The family will receive visitors from 3:00 - 3:45 p.m and the memorial service will begin promptly at 4:00 p.m..