Vaneece Smith

Bobbie Vaneece Canady Smith, 92, of Tyler went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 5, 2018. While we celebrate her greatest day, we mourn and are deeply saddened by her passing. Vaneece was born to the late Jack and Euna Canady in Wichita Falls, Texas on September 13, 1926. She and her younger brother, Billy Ray lived in Burkburnett as children, but grew up in Overton, Texas. She loved her parents dearly and often spoke of what an excellent cook her mother was, especially with desserts. She had a wonderful childhood, relishing in the simpler times of life during the Great Depression and working at the local “picture show.” After graduating high school in Overton in 1944, Vaneece attended Tyler Commercial College where she learned shorthand, typing and accounting. When she was 19 years old, she met her husband Charles Glenn Smith when he was discharged from the Army Air Corps. She was impressed by his good manners and the two went on dates to the movies and out with friends. Vaneece and Charlie were married on February 15, 1947. She cherished their time living in a one-bedroom apartment before moving to Austin, Texas. She worked for the Texas Railroad Commission, “putting him through school” at the University of Texas. They had a great time attending Longhorn sporting events and socializing with friends. After graduation, they moved to Tyler and had their daughter Glenda, followed by their son Kelly a few years later. Vaneece was a doting mother, putting the needs of her family before her own. She served as room mother for her children’s classes at school, always graceful, elegant and nicely dressed which made her children proud. She was a renowned cook and baker, though she always diverted the praise to her kitchen helpers. Throughout her life, Vaneece continually built the confidence of those around her. She was a longtime member of Marvin United Methodist Church and had many life-long friends from her Sunday School class. Beginning in 1983, Vaneece began volunteering at East Texas Medical Center (now UT Health East Texas). She continued to volunteer weekly for over 35 years, accumulating almost 8,500 hours of service, the 3rd highest of any of their volunteers. Vaneece was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family whole-heartedly. She was a beautiful woman inside and out with an infectious smile, loved by many. She never had an unkind word to say. She will be remembered as a selfless, humble woman, who offered unconditional love to those around her. Her family’s greatest memories will be around holidays spent in her home, and the ability to have a seat and visit with her for a while. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Charles Smith of Tyler who passed in 2017. She missed him terribly and couldn’t wait to be reunited with him in Heaven. She leaves behind her daughter, Glenda and husband John Atkinson of Tyler, and her son, Kelly Smith of Frisco. “Nee-Nee” is also survived by her granddaughter, Katie and husband Rob Bryson and great-grandchildren, Claire, Sydney and Harper of Glen Ellyn, IL; her grandson, Jay Atkinson and wife Aubrey of Tyler; her granddaughter, Alex Smith of Ft. Worth, and grandson, Kyle Smith of Frisco. Services will be held on Friday, November 9, 2018 in the Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Gerry Giles officiating. If desired, donations may be made to Marvin United Methodist Church at 300, W. Erwin St., Tyler, TX 75702.

Vaneece Smith

September 13, 1926 - November 5, 2018