Jackie Sturgill Smith

Jackie Sturgill Smith, 88, of Salem, VA was born August 18, 1922. It was the community of Whitesburg, KY that welcomed Jackie into the world. The family into which Jackie was born consisted of her parents, Benton and Ida Bentley Sturgill, and her sister Juanita. Jackie was schooled in local schools and did the last year of high school at the Berea Academy before attending Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) where she studied elementary education and played womens softball. She later became a Licensed Practical Nurse. In 1946 she married Harmon Smith and together with their two daughters they lived and worked in Newport News, VA, Pittsburgh, PA, Lexington, KY, Central America, Dade County, FL, Appomattox, VA and Salem, VA. Jackie was an avid tennis player and tennis teacher; also enjoyed golf, fishing, and bridge. But most of all she enjoyed her family. Jackie is survived by her husband, Harmon Smith; two daughters, Judy Riffle and Betty Coleman; son-in-law, Wayne Coleman; a dear friend, James McGrath; three grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss their Mommom very much. On May 12, 2011 Jackie gave up her spirit to Love for Love to use in whatever way He sees fit. Funeral Liturgy will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, May 22, 2011 at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Salem with The Very Rev'd R. Bradley Laycock, Jr. and Dr. Robert T. Copenhaver officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Following the service the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall. The whole family thanks Snyder Nursing Home (Salem) and John M. Oakey and Son (Salem) for their unfailing tender loving care. The family suggests that memorials be sent to Snyder Nursing Home or to St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Salem. John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the Smith family.