Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | Durham, NC

Obituary For Vernessa Alston Smith

Mrs. Vernessa Alston Smith, 68, was born February 24, 1954 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina to the late Gennie Alston Brown. She attended the public schools of Durham County and was a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a Minor in Education, a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Student Guidance and Counseling. With these accolades, Vernessa successfully advanced her career in education. She taught at Durham High School for 5 years and Lilies Hill Middle School at Clark Air Base in the Philippines for 3 years. For the next 33 years, Vernessa was a Student Guidance Counselor for several schools in the Miami-Dade County Public School System. In 1980 she married her university sweet heart, Donald Smith. They started a beautiful life together, spending the further 42 years, happily married, while traveling the world. With this union, 2 children were born, Philip (1985-2013) and Leslie. Vernessa worked hard to make sure her children were educated, well rounded, and had a relationship with Jesus Christ. Vernessa was a God-fearing woman, known for her quick quips, correct grammar, big heart and even bigger smile. She enjoyed cartoons, a good cup of coffee, and gospel music in the mornings. At an early age, she was introduced to God and became a member of Greater Saint Paul Missionary Baptist church in Durham, NC. In 2002, she joined Second Baptist Church in Richmond Heights, Florida under Reverend Dr. Alphonso Jackson Sr, where she became an active member of the G.R.O.W Group (Growth through Intimate Relationship and Obedience to the Word), Chairperson of the F.A.V.O.R.E.D (Faithful, Abiding, Virtuous, Obedient, Righteous, Enduring, Daughters) Ministry and taught Sunday school. While holding the position of Secretary Vernessa also served as a Deaconess. She continued serving and attending SBC through virtual meetings until her health began to decline. Our beloved Vernessa was preceded in death by her brother Sergeant Willie E. Alston and son Philip Alston Smith. She leaves many loving and fond memories with her family and friends; husband, Donald L. Smith; daughter, Leslie N. Smith; three sisters, Clora A. Smith, Mary A. Roberts, Sandra Brown (Jerome); and one brother, Tyrone S. Alston (Terry); three nieces, Kimberly Burton, Angela Roberts, Chondra Renee Rembert; four nephews, Charles Smith, Tyrone Alston Jr., Kevin Alston, Tyree Alston.

Visitation and Funeral services will be held at Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, 2502 NC Hwy 55, Durham, NC on Saturday,May14, 2022, visitation with friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 am and funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Masks are to be worn and social distancing required at all meetings with family and friends.

All acts of kindness are appreciated during this difficult time.

Guest Book

Such a wonderful person. My heart is broken. We were once neighbors and fellowshiped at the same Church. I was just in contact with her on April 30th by text. My Deapest Condolences to the family.

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I know you as well as most but after hearing of your illness we prayed my vision was of you the smile on your face and the twinkle in your eyes announcing you were moving to N Carolina after word of your passing my vision was the same. You followed your heart. Prayers and condolences for your family

- na

I will truly miss this wonderful lady with the huge smile and loving personality.

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I remember Mrs Smith from Durham high school .she was my 10th grade English teacher. She was a great teacher and person. She will be missed. Keith a Wilson

- na

My heart is broken. Having worked side by side with Vernessa as school counselors for many years, we developed a wonderful relationship. The way she cared for the students and staff is something I will always remember. Rest in Peace my friend. My sincere condolences to the Smith family.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | Durham, NC