Bernice Mae Melton Smith fell asleep in death Monday, September 26, 2011 at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Bernice, also known as BB by many was born in Louisa County April 5, 1930 to the late Edward Melton (Lumbee tribe) and Mamie Melton Mckeathon.



Bernice was educated in the Louisa County School System graduating from Louisa Training Center in 1947. She then joined in holy matrimony to Richard Lloyd Smith, Sr that same year and to this union nine children were born. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her Father, Edward Melton, stepfather, Claude McKeathon, her only brother, Willard Melton and three children, Richard (Ricky) L Smith, Jr, Edward (Eddie) C Smith Sr, and Karen Smith.


Bernice studied with Jehovah Witnesses and symbolized her dedication by baptism September, 1969, continuing to faithfully serve until her death. Bernice was a homemaker and lovingly provided childcare for many family and friends which she did until her health failed developing and enjoying a unique relationship with each based on that individual. She enjoyed cooking and one of her many specialties was fried chicken and homemade biscuits while also enjoying game shows that challenged you being very good at Jeopardy and spending time with family and friends.


She leaves to cherish her memories her mother Mamie Melton McKeathon; six children Brenda Quarles (Phillip), Rosetta Burruss (Charles) all of Louisa, VA, Lorna Stephens of Richmond, VA, Kenneth (Jimmy) A Smith Sr, Sylvia Quarles (Albert) and Marcus Smith (Gail) all of Louisa, VA; 25 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren; two aunts Veryl Deloatch of Rich Square, NC and Janine Langford of Cheaspeake, VA; five sister in laws, Nora Robinson (Melvin) of Louisa VA, Ada Whitley (Warren) of Upper Marlboro, MD and Geraldine Chandler (Rainey) of Landover, MD, Margret Smith of Philadelphia, PA, Irene Smith of Danville, VA; four brother in laws, Matt Smith Sr, Harry M. Smith Sr (Sarah), Larry Smith Sr, and Robert C Rucker (Doris) all of Louisa, VA and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.


Her smiling face and kind ways with happiness we recall, she had a kind word for each and died beloved by all. A loving one from us is gone, a voice we loved is still a place vacant in our home which never can be filled.


Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Thomasson Watson Funeral Chapel 117 West St. Louisa, VA.