Virginia Mae Smith

Virginia Mae Smith Virginia Mae Pierce Smith, 95, of Wharton, passed away December 25, 2017 in the SPJST Nursing home in Hillje, Texas. Virginia was born on December 31, 1921, in Winchell Community, Texas, to the late Jesse Paul and Pearl May Perry Pierce. Virginia was raised in Brown County and attended school in Richland Springs. On December 31, 1938, she married the “Love of her Life” James Robert Smith, aka J.R. in Brady, Texas. Prior to moving to Wharton in 1956, the couple resided in the Brownwood area. J.R. preceded her in death on April 23, 1996. Virginia worked for many years as the credit manager at Sears in Wharton. She also opened a Tea Room with Ruth Jones, known as Jones and Smith Socializing Parlor in Wharton, specializing in pies. After selling the Tea Room she then worked for Rath Plumbing. In addition to the multiple jobs she held, Virginia was also a member of the Pilot Club and a devout member of First Baptist Church in Wharton. In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by her son, Burl W. Smith, son in law, Arnold Valenta, sisters; Geneva Vernon, Savola Allgood, Lela Steel, Dorcas Brooks, and Wanda Dawkins, brothers, Zadock Pierce, Harold Pierce and Joe Pierce. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Pearlene Valenta of El Campo, daughter in law, Jean Smith of Houston, grandchildren, Scott Valenta and wife, Wendy, Larry Corollo and wife, Melissa, Stacie Mensik, Travis Mensik and John Mahoney and wife, Debbie, great grandchildren, Danielle Valenta Smith and husband, Lukas, Kyler Valenta, Lara Corollo, Cameron Corollo, Tyler Corollo and wife Jessica, Stephanie Mahoney Berry and husband Jason, Sean Mahoney, Elizabeth Shimek and Lindy Mensik. great great grandchild, Joshua Smith and her “favorite boyfriend” Charles Chambers. Numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Visitation was held the evening of December 27 from 5 till 7 pm at the chapel of Wharton Funeral Home with funeral services held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 2 pm at the Wharton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tony Wishert officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Serving as pallbearers are Kyler Valenta, Lukas Smith, Sean Mahoney, Tyler Corollo, Cameron Corollo, Tommy Krauskopf, Glen Krauskopf and Robert Schmidt with Joshua Smith, Bruce Krauskopf, Bingo Krauskopf, Joe Liska members of the Houston Hospice - El Campo, and Staff and residents of S.P.J.S.T. Rest Home #3 in Hillje. Memorials contributions can be made in her name to First Baptist Church, 507 North Fulton, Wharton Texas 77488 or Hospice Support Inc., PO Box 1417 El Campo, Texas 77437 Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.