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In Memory

Vera Smith (Peele) - Class Of 1966

Vera Smith (Peele)

 

1966 Vera Smith-Peele

Mar. 26, 1948 - Mar. 10, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Vera Smith-Peele was born March 26, 1948, to Joseph and Rosie Nell Smith. She was the eighth child of nine children.

Vera attended Linden Elementary School and graduated from Central High School in South Bend, Indiana. After graduation she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she attended Beauty Culture School. She was a beautician there for five years.

In 1973, Vera married Elbert Mack, Jr. Later, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she met and married Joseph Peele. In 1989 they moved back to South Bend, Indiana, where she continued her membership at Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She and her husband served as Ushers in the church and she worked with the hospitality department They both were devoted members.

Although she had no children of her own, Vera was devoted to her nieces and nephews as well as her family. They all considered her as the “greatest aunt” because of her understanding and love for young people. She loved to cook, coordinate events, and was committed to serving seniors. She was like a daughter to many senior women.

Vera studied the Bible every day. She loved sharing “the Word” with family and friends. She was also a community activist who fought for the rights of the people in South Bend. She graduated from the Neighborhood Leadership Academy; was a past participant of St. Mary's College Women's International Leadership Program; volunteer at Charles Martin Youth Center; served on the Annual Martin Luther King Planning Committee for more than 20 years; was a Senior Aide for the Help-at-Home Program; Coordinator for Seniors at the Seventh Day Adventist Camp Wagner in Cassopolis, Michigan, and served as an assistant to the Lake Region Conference of SDA Woman's Ministries Leader for several years. She was an excellent coordinator of events. When she coordinated an event, it was always a great success.

On Thursday, March 10, 2016, the Lord called Vera to her final rest to wait upon His return. Vera will be sorely missed by her loving family and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Peele, her parents and two siblings, Alma Smith-Turner and Joseph Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory three sisters, Lillie (Spencer) Grady of South Bend, Indiana, Ruby Larkin and Rosie (Lawrence) Banks, both of Chicago, Illinois; and three brothers, Charles (Barbara) and Leroy Smith, both of Chicago, Illinois, and Dr. George (Jean) Smith of South Bend, Indiana; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A celebration of her life will be noon Friday at Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church, 601 W. Colfax Street, South Bend, with Dr. Ray Everett officiating. The visitation will be 10:00 am Friday at the church until the time of service.

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/southbendtribune/obituary.aspx?n=vera-smith-peele&pid=178069235&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.15rlLOrM.dpuf