Vella J. Smith

Vella Juanita Smith, daughter of the late George H. Jones and the late Geraldine Juanita Banks was born September 27, 1965 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life suddenly on October 13, 2018. Vella attended Baltimore City Public Schools. She decided to begin her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant after high school and she remained in this profession for over thirty-five years. During her career she served in various capacities. She worked as a private duty nurse, and at times she worked in assisted living homes, long-term care facilities and occasionally with hospice patients. She was truly appreciated and loved by many. The families of those that she provided care for were truly appreciative of her attentiveness to their loved ones. Her pleasing personality and humbleness were liked by one and all that had the privilege to work with her and know her. On September 27, 1999 Vella married Jay “Elmira” Smith. They were together for a total of 24 years and their union formed a blended family consisting of two sons and three daughters. Vella began her most important education and career when she began studying the Bible. From her personal bible study she learned that serving Jehovah wholeheartedly would be the “best way of life” for her. She subsequently dedicated her life to God and symbolized it by water baptism on December 10, 2011 becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Truth became her way of life. She enjoyed speaking with others about the Bible and she treasured her relationship that she formed with her precious God Jehovah. Vella was known by everyone for the love that she had for others. She loved her family dearly and she always wanted to keep them together. She planned and prepared family dinners at her home just to provide opportunities for her entire family to spend time together. She was known as “Mom Dukes” to her children and other people’s children. She disciplined EVERYBODY young and old and she always did it out of the love that she had for the person. She was definitely her mother’s child. She always spoke the truth even if it would hurt, but it always came from a place of love. She enjoyed having a good time. Whenever she was around you were sure to get a good laugh. She enjoyed cooking, laughing, singing, dancing and just having fun and making lasting memories. Vella had an unconditional love for her children. As a mother she was a strong woman who taught her children valuable life lessons. She laid a solid foundation for them. She was very supportive of them. She was a provider, inspirator, and friend. As a grandmother she enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren. Having them around always brought her joy. They were her world. Vella was one of a kind. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but never forgotten. Vella is survived by: her husband, Jay “Elmira” Smith; three sons, Jay Smith Jr., Brandon Segar, Bernard Segar Jr.; three daughters, Saysha Johnson, Stacey Diggs, D’Naijah Anderson; two sons-in-law, Calvin Diggs; Arthur Johnson III; four grandchildren, Jamiah Smith, Janiah Smith, Za’Nyiia Segar; Cayden Diggs; three sisters; Linda DeVaughn, Denise Jones, Geraldine Whittaker; two brothers, George H. Jones; George H. Jones Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Carmen DeVaughn; Dennis Whittaker; one sister-in-law; Ann Pitts- Jones; four aunts, Tamara Robinson, Joyce Fields, Rosetta Arthur, Judy Lawrence; one uncle, William Lawrence; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Vella J. Smith

September 27, 1965 - October 13, 2018