Vera Lee (Donald) Smith

Mrs. Vera Lee Donald Smith, age 79, passed away in her home with family at her side on May 21, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Vera was born to Leroy and Wilma Donald on January 25th, 1946, and graduated from Charlton Pollard High School, Beaumont, TX, Class of 1964. Vera became a licensed Cosmetologist in the 1960s and began practicing the profession for many years. 

Vera met the love of her life at the Jefferson County Fair in 1966. Franklin and Vera were married February 14, 1970, and were married 55 years until her heavenly departure. To this union, they  had two biological children, Ve’Rykia Kalin Smith Coleman and Nikkia Nikole Smith Jones. She and Franklin had a heart for loving children, and because of this, they also raised Jasmine Venters Turner and Jade Venters. When Vera entered her 60’s she and Franklin began to foster a child and later adopted her, Bre’Yuannie Gail Donald Smith.

Vera was a loving stay-at-home mother to her children. When they entered public school, she began working for Hallsville ISD in the nutrition department, ultimately becoming a cafeteria manager, a position she held for over 20 years. After that, Vera devoted her time to her husband, 5 girls, and grandchildren. She accepted the Lord at an early age at Mt Zion Baptist Church in Beaumont,  TX. After her marriage and moving to Longview, TX, she became an active member of Golden Hill Missionary Baptist Church and St Paul Baptist Church until her health began to decline. Our  mother was a part of the Mission department, Vacation Bible School, a Sunday school teacher, and an active member of the choir. You could hear her beautiful HIGH SOPRANO voice from 1000 miles away. Everyone knew when Vera was singing. She had no problems praising the Lord!

Our mother had blessed hands. She spent her life blessing and encouraging others by cooking, sewing, making prayer boxes, book angels, and painting. However, her specialty was crocheting the angel. You could drive anywhere in Longview and see one hanging in a window.

Vera is preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Wilma Donald, and her brothers Sylvester, Leroy Jr, Will Donald, and one sister, Pauline Foster. Vera leaves to cherish and carry on her legacy to Franklin (Husband of 55 years), Ve’Rykia Coleman, Nikkia Jones (Kerry), Jasmine Turner (Aaron Sr), Jade Venters, and BreYuannie Donald Smith. Her grandchildren Kenson, Amber, Kerrah, Kamen, A.J., August, and Aubree. She leaves her sister Alberta Brown and 5 brothers, Joshua, Lionel Sr (Carol), Stanley, Albert (Linda), and Larry Donald, to treasure her memories.

She will be missed by her best friends, “The Golden Girls” Joyce Nobles and Joyce Rodgers Small, classmates of Charlton Pollard, Class of ’64, along with many other friends and family  members. 

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