Elsie McIvor Smith

Elsie McIvor Smith, 94, of Lynchburg, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, March 9, 2015 at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born on June 4, 1920 in Monroe, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Eugene and Irene Watts McIvor. She married Benjamin (Bennie) Lafayette Smith on August 20, 1938. They were married for 66 years until Bennie’s death in May, 2004. Elsie was gracious, wise and compassionate. The epitome of “if you don’t have something kind to say, don’t say anything at all” the one word others used to describe her was “sweet”. She was an incredibly patient and loving wife to Bennie, “Mama” to her 4 children, and “Grandma & Nana” to her 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Elsie was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Monroe. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Shirley Smith, and two brothers, James McIvor and Harry McIvor. She is survived by her children, W. Michael Smith of Lynchburg, Ronald Smith of Madison Heights, Sherry Knowles and husband John of Forest, Kay Davis and husband Tom of Lynchburg; eight grandchildren, Kenneth Smith and wife Diane, Michael Smith, Kimberly Deal and husband Joe, Thomas Smith, Brandon Knowles and wife Crysty, Ryan Knowles and wife Megan, Liza Davis and Jane Davis; six great grandchildren, Bobby Smith, Morgan Deal, Nicholas Deal, Carson Knowles, Tristan Knowles, and Cora Knowles. A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, March 13, 2015 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Glynn Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service starting at noon on Friday and other times at the home of her daughter, Sherry Knowles. For those wishing to make memorial contributions, the family would like you to consider First Baptist Church of Monroe, 139 Francis Avenue, Monroe, VA 24574.