Vernice Adline (Jenkins) Smith was born August 15, 1943, in Winton, North Carolina to the late Walter and Gracie Jenkins. She departed her life on Monday, November 12, 2018 at Signature Health Care Facility, surrounded by her loving family. Vernice had a laid-back soul. She was a country girl at heart and loved riding on motorcycles and 18-wheel trucks. She was a very focused, goal oriented and organized woman. She loved being around family, especially for the holidays.

Vernice graduated from C. S. Brown High School in Winton, N.C. Shortly after graduating, she attended a 2-year Medical Secretary program receiving an Associate’s Degree from Chowan Community College. She then moved to Norfolk, VA where she became employed by Norfolk General Hospital in the Dietary Department. Given a chance to excel through a special program, she became a Ward Secretary. Upon moving to Norfolk, she met the love of her life the late, Lloyd Smith.

She was predeceased by her mother, Gracie (Valentine) Jenkins and father, Walter Jenkins. Three sisters; Ella (Sista) McKinnely of Bronx, NY, Joyce Greene of Virginia Beach, VA and Pauline (Polly) Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA. Two brothers; Malachi (Big Boy) Jenkins of Norfolk, VA and Melvin Carl Jenkins of Norfolk, VA.

She leaves to cherish her memories, brother, Walter Jenkins Jr. of Norfolk, VA; three sons, Antonio Smith (Monalisa) of Norfolk, VA, David Smith (Denise) of Tucson, AZ and Gary Smith (Denita) of Greensboro, NC; three daughters, Penelope Dawson of Norfolk, VA, Jacqueline Gay of Norfolk, VA and (late) Annetta Smith of Norfolk, VA; three brother in-laws; three sister in-laws; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.