Vernon I. Smith

Vernon Irving Smith, son of the late John Smith and Gladys Arnette Cooper, was born on October 14, 1925 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on December 27, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He received his education at Carver Vocational Technical High School and Douglass High School in Baltimore. At the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 1864th Engineer Aviation Battalion (Colored) in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater (Guam) as a Diesel Mechanic. During his military service, he earned the following decorations: Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. In 1946, Vernon returned home to Baltimore and soon met and married Virginia Ross. From this union one child was born, Sharynne Anne Stacey. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Vernon” to Virginia’s other daughters, Lynne and Patricia, from a subsequent marriage. Vernon married Shirlee Jean Carter (formerly Dixon) in 1966, and from this union, one child was born, Vernon Eric Rodney. He was a loving stepfather to Shirlee’s son, Earl, from a previous marriage. He began his career with the Social Security Administration in 1948, retiring in 1986 as a Lead Claims Clerk. Vernon enjoyed playing cards, listening to soul music, and attending live shows at The Royal Theater. He treasured his time with his family, and was known for his gentle, kind spirit and warm smile. He was a loving family man and was generous to all who knew him. A devoted member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Vernon was a Trustee and a volunteer with the church’s food bank. He is preceded in death by his wives Virginia and Shirlee, his stepson Earl Oliver Carter, Jr., his sister Joan Stokes, and his brother Melvin Smith. He leaves to mourn: his daughter, Sharynne Shelton (Dr. Charles Sylvester Shelton); two stepdaughters, Ellen Lynne Scott and Patricia Kimberly Greaves (Lt. General Samuel A. Greaves) ; one son, Eric (Donyale Erica); four granddaughters, Lauren Stacey Dubose (Robert Dubose), Kara Lillian Carter, Erikka Laurice Smith, and Laylah Erin Smith; two grandsons, Earl Oliver Carter, III and Michael Lane Carter; three great granddaughters, Tyler Ayanna Dubose, Madison Elena Dubose, and Shjan Amaya Lrae Carter; one great grandson, Earl Oliver Carter, IV, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Vernon I. Smith

October 14, 1925 - December 27, 2015