Virginia Ann Smith's Obituary
Virginia Ann Smith (nee Collums), 87, of Germantown, Tennessee left this earth holding the hand of her most beloved son on April 11, 2023 after a long and fulfilling life spent loving basketball and telling fantastic tales. She went to be with the Lord quickly and quietly-not at all in the blaze of glory we anticipated as part of some grandiose landscaping project. Many a rogue leaf and daffodil breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the news.
Ann was born in Houlka, Mississippi in 1935 and graduated from Houlka High School in 1953, becoming one of her class's most active and longest surviving alumni-much to her delight. It was there she fell in love with basketball and became, according to legend, one of the best female players to come out of the great state of Mississippi.
The only thing Ann cherished more than her yard and basketball was her family, all whom she loved on in her own creative ways. She is survived by her aforementioned son, Randy Smith, a lovely and devoted daughter Cyndie West (nee Smith), three absolutely perfect grandchildren, Anna Keegan, Nolan, and Mady Claire-(the oldest of which was the most revered and accomplished and definitely wasn't in charge of writing this), and two feisty great-grandchildren, Riley and Vera.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie (1928-1994) and the Promus Hotel Corporation (1989-1999, where she worked for twenty plus years. At Promus, she was the most tenured in the treasury department, where she collected various corporate accolades-solidifying her as on of the greatest employees ever. She valued hard work and would be absolutely horrified to know how much we've all taken off our jobs to mourn her passing. (We won't get fired, I promise.)
At her core, Ann was an achiever. There was no challenge that was insurmountable, and she donated her time and talents to her beloved church and neighborhood community. Stubborn and hilarious, there wasn't a situation she couldn't make light of-for better or worse. But ultimately, she will always be remembered as a fighter, living fiercely and independently until the very end.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 18 from 9:00-10:00 with funeral service beginning at 10:00 am at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38119.
The family asks that all who knew her, call to share their favorite memories because-let's be honest-everyone talking about her accomplishments is exactly what she would have wanted. If idle chat does not suffice, the family requests donation to be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers.
P.S. (If you're not Ann this is not for you) It's a time that you know we all have tattoos. Sorry
What’s your fondest memory of Virginia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Virginia?
Share a story where Virginia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Virginia you’ll never forget.
How did Virginia make you smile?
