Obituary: Smith, V. Anne
She was born V. Anne Hicks to Harvey and Edith Hicks in Blue Field, West Virginia on April 27, 1934.
After graduating from high school, she attended Blue Field State College where she pursued a degree in Home Economics.
She and her husband (Ret.
MSgt James Smith, Jr.) decided to remain in Spokane after he retired from the USAF at Fairchild AFB.
She immediately became actively involved in the Spokane community.
Always believing in racial equality, economic parity and quality of life for all V. Anne channeled her energy and passion to accomplish these goals through many organizations.
She was a member of Soroptimist International; she was a founding and charter member of the Spokane Chapter of The Links, Inc., serving two terms as president; board member of Spokane County Girl Scouts of America, board member of Spokane County United Way and was president of the Spokane Branch of the NAACP.
V. Anne was equally involved in her church, Calvary Baptist.
She was an officer of the Willing Workers Auxiliary, sang in the Voices of Calvary and served as Chairperson of Calvary’s Board of Trustees.
V. Anne was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother.
She never sought controversy but never backed away from a challenge.
Forever cherishing and remembering her life is her husband James, son and daughter-in-law Byron and Karyn, granddaughter Chant’e (Spokane), great-granddaughter Ta’Veyah , all of Spokane; nephew Elder Michael Barnes (Virginia) along with nieces, cousins and numerous friends and acquaintances.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Stella Barnes.
V. Anne’s life will be celebrated at Calvary Baptist Church (E. 203 Third Ave., Spokane, WA 99202) on Monday, October 7 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow on Tuesday, October 8, 1:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery.
Donations in her memory may be made to the scholarship fund of the Spokane Chapter NAACP or the scholarship fund of the Spokane Chapter of The Links Inc. To View V. Anne’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements entrusted to