Jessie W. Smith

Jessie W. Smith, 99, of Connersville, died Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at Heritage House of Connersville. Jessie was born in Louisville, Kentucky, March 6, 1914, the oldest child of William Ezra and Maggie Mae McGrew Whitfield. She attended Eighth Street School, Connersville Junior High and was a 1932 graduate of Connersville High School. On March 28, 1934, she was married to Harold R. Smith who died September 4, 1992. Jessie devoted her life to her family and her church. She joined the First Baptist Church in March of 1926 and was the oldest and longest member. Jessie was a member of the Cornerstone Class, the Missionary Society and had taught Sunday School. She also had served as the church secretary and as a member of the Deaconess Board. For many years, she was the bookkeeper for her husband’s business, H.R. Smith and Son Painting contractors. In her leisure time, Jessie enjoyed working word search puzzles. Jessie is survived by eight children and their spouses: Nancy C. Firsich and Leon, Norman A. Smith and Connie Sue, H. David Smith and Mae, Kenneth J. Smith and his companion, Mary Kaiser; Randy R. Smith and Cindy, all of Connersville; James L. Smith and Jo of London, Kentucky; Wayne M. Smith and Cindy of West Carrollton, Ohio; Thomas P. Smith and Melba Jo of Knoxville, Tennessee; twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter; her sister: Annie Adams of Connersville; her brother: Robert L. Whitfield and his wife, Sheri of Akron, Ohio; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Jessie was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, an infant brother, Victor; her sister: Janice Hertel; a brother, William Elza Whitfield and a daughter-in-law: Kathy. A Celebration of Jessie’s Life will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church, 1211 North Grand Avenue, with her son Thomas Smith and Pastor Mal Gibson officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church from 11 a.m. Saturday until the time of service. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.