Della Vaughn Smith

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Bates Smith, Jr., her son, Joseph Bates Smith, III, and her parents Frederick and Della Holmes. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Jacquelyn Newman Smith, two grandsons, Joseph Bates Smith, IV (April) of Panama City, FL, Jeffrey Fredrick Smith (Sunshine) of Silverhill, and six great grandchildren.

Mrs. Smith graduated from The Daphne State Normal School in Daphne, AL, and began her teaching career in Loxley, AL, teaching third grade for three years. She moved to Mobile where she taught first grade at Maryvale Elementary School for 34 years where she made numerous contributions to the school system and the profession of teaching. In 1980, Mrs. Smith was recognized by the Metro-Mobile Reading Association of the International Reading Association as the Outstanding Reading Teacher of the year. She not only taught reading skills, but she also sparked a keen interest in reading in her students. Mrs. Smith involved parents in their children’s education by showing them how to help their children, how to encourage them, and how to reinforce their skills. Many adults returned to Maryvale School each year to see and thank the teacher who “gave them such a good start in first grade.” Della’s natural talent for teaching accomplished so much more than the mastery of academic material, Della inspired both students and fellow teachers to enjoy learning.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers, especially Ms. Carol and Ms. Elaine for their loving care for Mrs. Smith over the years.

A memorial service will be held at Montgomery Hill Baptist Church, Tensaw, AL, on Friday, August 7th, 2015. The family will receive friends in the Church sanctuary beginning at 1:00 pm and services will begin at 2:00 with graveside to follow immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Montgomery Hill Baptist Church or the Magnolia Springs, AL Public Library.