Ester Smith

Ester Mae Smith, born Ester Mae Kelly to Edward and Bernice Kelly on July 13, 1946, entered into eternal rest on May 16, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose kind and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Ester grew up surrounded by family and the values of love, respect, and hard work. She carried those values throughout her life and shared them freely with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. She was known throughout her community for her warm heart and welcoming presence.

Ester received her education in the Westmoreland County, Virginia public school system and graduated from AT Johnson High School. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and was baptized as a young girl at Siloam Baptist Church. Later, she became a member of Little Zion Baptist Church (LZBC), where she faithfully served in the Senior Ministry, Pastor’s Aid, and Flower Club. Her faith was the foundation of her life and strength, and she lived each day by her favorite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Ester was united in marriage to James Lewis Smith on October 16, 1964, and together they built a loving family. Ester loved her family deeply and cherished the time that she spent with them. To them and so many others, she was lovingly known as Grammy and Mama Ester, names that reflected the warmth, comfort, and love she shared with everyone around her.

Those who knew Ester will always remember her kindness, gentleness, and the way she made people feel cared for. She was especially well known around town for her delicious cooking, including her famous potato salad, rice pudding, and pound cake recipes that many looked forward to and will fondly remember. Her food was made with love, and it reflected the same love she gave to others.

Ester was dedicated to caring for others in both her work and her everyday life. Over the years, she worked as a telephone operator with Contel of Virginia, where she served with patience and professionalism. She also served as a Resource Mother for young mothers, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to those who needed it most. In addition, she worked as a paraprofessional with special needs children and adults, where her compassion, kindness, and nurturing spirit made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Her life’s work reflected who she was at her core — a woman who took care of so many others and gave of herself freely. She had a gift for helping people feel supported, loved, and valued, and her impact will be remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Ester was preceded in death by her husband James Lewis Smith, her parents, Edward Kelly Sr. and Bernice Odell Georgia, her stepfather Henry Georgia, and her brother Gary Kelly.

Ester leaves to cherish her memory her children, Crystal Saunders (Jerome Sr.), Rev. Dr. Jeffery Smith (Lori), Torrey Smith, Kimberly McNair (Teddy), Travon Johnson; her three bonus daughters, Celane Lewis (Larry), Erniece Tyler (Keith); and Jawanda Lee (Easter); her grandchildren Tierra, Troy (Toya), DeAnte, ShaKeiya, Gregory (Pip), Jerome (Lindsey), Loren, Jeremy, Joshua (Hanna), Taurus, Illegra, Jordan, Kristen, LD (Jessica), Tarese, Arlene, TJ, LaQuaine, Travon; 26 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Edward Kelly Jr. (Frances), Larry Kelly (Vance), and Roy Kelly (Grace); two sisters-in-law, Linda Dickerson (Harold), Annette Smith; two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Smith (Doris), Albert Smith; two Goddaughters, Latoria Carey (Jerome) and LaToya Clark; two Godsons, Dewayne Reynolds and CJ Johnson; one aunt, Eva Ashton; close friends Viola Peyton, Caroletta Fauntleroy, Delois Johnson, Karen Veney, Sheila Reynolds, Margaret Smith, and Jacqueline Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who will forever treasure her memory.

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