Mrs. Della Ruth Smith

Mrs. Della Ruth Smith passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the age of 83 years. She was born June 25, 1933 to Laura and Sanford Vaughn in Prichard, Alabama. She graduated from Mobile Training School. She aspired to go to college and to become a school teacher. Della attended Alabama State College in Mobile, Alabama for 2 years. She then moved to Saginaw, Michigan where she lived with her mother’s sister, aunt Amanda McArn. She attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a BS degree in Education in 1953. She went on to get her Master’s degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She supervised teachers and then became a fourth grade teacher. She taught in Saginaw Public Schools for 20 years and then became a principal for 19 years and during that time she was over 3 schools. Della Vaughn married Willie D. Smith of Longview, Texas on December 26, 1954. They had three children, Annette Renee, Eric Bernard and William Errol (Billy). One of her passions in life was to instill the importance of getting the highest education possible for all family members and others. Mrs. Smith wanted to see all three of her children succeed in life. She made sure that they did their homework and stayed focused on school. Each one of them graduated from college and became successful in their own individual careers. This includes all of her grandchildren who have pursued their college degrees. Mrs. Smith was known as a “strong disciplinarian” when she was principal. Her students would often come back and see her after they had become adults and comment on how glad they were that she had pushed them to stay focused on their education. During her career, Mrs. Smith was a member of several organizations including the Saginaw Education Association, Michigan Education Association; National Education Association and the Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel. She was a chartered member of Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a member of the Top Ladies of Distinction. She decided to retire in 1996 and enjoyed golfing with her husband, Willie. They toured the country, played golf and socialized with many friends. They especially enjoyed traveling to Aruba, other islands and going on cruises. She enjoyed retirement until his untimely demise on August 24, 2008. Mrs. Smith enjoyed good music and loved to dance. She was an avid gardener who could grow beautiful flowers. She loved beautiful clothes and would never turn down an opportunity to go shopping. Family was very important to her. Her memories will be cherished by her daughter, Annette Renee VanDevere (Craig) of Marietta, GA; two sons, Eric Bernard Smith (Sherry) of San Diego, CA, William Errol Smith (Jessica) of Eastpointe, MI.; three grandchildren, Christopher M. VanDevere, Lauren A. Smith, and Jared N. Smith; one sister, Vella Ellis Wilson of Cincinnati, OH.; five sisters-in-law, Margaret Smith of San Diego, CA., Gwendolyn Maxey and Esther Smith, both of Los Angeles, CA., Juanita Smith of Saginaw, MI, Melba Smith of Longview, TX.; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Mt. Olive Inst. Missionary Baptist Church, 1114 North 6th Street. Dr. Marvin T. Smith will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will be present to greet friends from 6:-00 until 8:00 p.m. http://act.alz.org/goto/dellavsmith This is a donation Alzheimer's tribute page that was made in her memory. We would like to offer this to people as an additional gift option.

Mrs. Della Ruth Smith

June 25, 1933 - January 10, 2017