Obituary of Ella Ineze Smith

On the morning of August 14, 2016, Ella Ineze Russell Smith departed this life at her home in Cumberland County, Virginia and entered into eternal rest. She was born on November 19, 1921 in Cumberland, Virginia, the second of six children, to Frank and Maude Langhorne Russell. Three of her siblings, Spencer, James and Lena, preceded her in death. They were raised in a Christian home filled with love, discipline and spiritual values. Since she and a first cousin were both named for their grandmother, Ella Russell, her mother chose to call her "Inez". At an early age, Inez gave her life to Christ and joined Tearwallet Baptist Church in Cumberland where her membership remained. She loved the people, worship services and programs, was a dedicated member of the senior choir for over 40 years and faithfully worshipped at the church until 2013 when declining health prevented her further attendance. Inez attended and finished Cumberland Training School that was founded around 1919 by her grandfather, the late James Leake Russell. He had always wanted a local school for his grandchildren to attend and with the help of his son-in-law, Reverend George Sims, Mrs. Matilda Booker, and Mr. Rache Hicks, the school became a reality for his grandchildren as well as for other children in the community. After graduating from Cumberland Training School in 1940, Inez entered and graduated from St. Paul's Polytechnic Institute in Lawrenceville, VA in 1942 with a Normal Degree in Elementary Education. At that time, a person could begin teaching with a two year degree. At the age of 20, she began her teaching career in Fluvanna County, Virginia. Knowing that a Bachelor's Degree would eventually be required, Inez enrolled in Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) for summer school sessions until she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Through the years, she continued to further her education through in-service and recertification courses. In 1946, Inez was joined in marriage to Samuel Edward Smith who predeceased her in 1970. They made their home in Charlottesville, VA, but in 1958, settled in Cumberland. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Joanne. In addition to her devotion to church and family, education was the focus of her life. After working in Fluvanna County, her teaching career carried her to Albemarle and then to Cumberland where her family settled. She retired in Cumberland from a career that spanned 40 years. She had a loving heart for her students and besides providing excellent teaching skills, was always creative, from serving full Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to the students in the rural, one-room school in Cumberland (Turkey Cocke Elementary) to making instruments for a rhythm band, to playing softball with students during recess. Inez's other interests included active memberships in the Virginia Retired Teachers Association of Albemarle and Prince Edward-Cumberland Counties, Les Amis Club, St. Paul's Alumni Association, growing flowers, decorating her home and traveling with her family or friends to different states. She leaves to cherish precious memories: her daughter, Joanne; son-in-law, Van Petty Sr.; two grandsons, Van II (Allyson) Petty and Russell Petty; one granddaughter, Jovan Petty; one great-grandson, Styles Petty; one great-granddaughter, Sloane Petty; two sisters, Eunice Whitehurst (William) and Kathleen Scott, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.