Vertna Jewel Smith, 97, of De Leon, went home to her Lord and Savior Tuesday, May 27, 2014. She was born July 7, 1916, in De Leon to James Ulesess West and Belton Etta Setzler West. Vertna married Doyle W. Smith September 20, 1938.

Vertna was a long-time member of De Leon First Baptist Church. She was a loving and devoted homemaker to her family. For many years, she worked as a daycare teacher where she helped to raise many honorary grandchildren. Even though many of those children were not related to her, she loved them dearly and she was always completed invested in their wellbeing. Vertna was a wonderful cook who was capable of making anything from scratch. She enjoyed collecting bears and sewing. Above all else, she loved her Lord and was a faithful servant to him. She was incredibly proud of the family she and Doyle created and cherished each day she was able to spend with her children, grandchildren and friends. She will be missed by many.

She is survived by her sons, Doyle D. Smith and wife, Candace, Tommy L. Smith and wife, Joyce; daughter, Treasure Mailloux and husband, David; son-in-law, Don Wallace; grandchildren, Kathleen, Heidi, Kyra, Jessie, Tracy, Travis, Michael, Daisey, Deana, Debra, Dawn and Treasure; 21 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great grandchildren; sister, Myrtle Kimmell; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family.

Vertna was preceded by her husband, Doyle Smith; parents, James and Belton West; daughter, Donna L. Wallace; and grandson, Kerry D. Smith.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 29, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church. Graveside services followed in De Leon Cemetery. Brother Daniel Harper officiated the services and Rocky Bunting, Martha Bunting and James Venable provided the music. Pallbearers were Josh Hodges, Cody Hodges, Aeron Adger, Trevor Jordan, Cass Griffin and Daniel Smith.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the De Leon First Baptist Church Youth Department at 125 South Houston Street, De Leon, in memory of Vertna.