Vernon Ruth Smith was born October 14, 1954 in Texarkana, Texas. She was the only child born to Rev. B.C. Green and Queen Esther Green. She transitioned peacefully on January 6, 2022 surrounded with loved ones by her side.

Vernon accepted Christ at a young age under the tutelage of her father who pastored the St. Paul Missionary Baptist church where she played the piano for the youth choir and was a soloist.

Vernon grew up in Texarkana, TX. She graduated from Texas High School in 1972, where she played the flute in the high school band. She went on to East Texas State to pursue a degree in business. One of her proudest accomplishments was becoming of a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in the Fall of 1973 while there. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in 1975.

June 12th, 1976 marked a milestone in Vernon's life as on this day she united in marriage to Robert Smith. The two resided in Rowlett, TX and had two beautiful children who were her pride and joy.

Vernon will forever be remembered for her larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and caring nature. "Verna Jewel", as she was called by her dear friend Pastor D.L. Wilson, never met a stranger and in fact will be remembered as a friend and honorary mother to many. She had a passion for music and dedicated her talent for singing, directing the choir and playing piano here at Sweet Home Baptist Church, her second home.

Vernon is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. B.C. Green and Queen Esther Green and her granddaughter Stevany Myrick.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her son, Rashad (Latosha) Smith of Royse City, Texas; daughter Ramell (Damon) Grant, granddaughters Charisma Smith and Roya Grant, and a host of family friends and relatives.