(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Virginia Lee Smith, 93, of Joplin, Mo., went to be with her Lord on July 18, 2026, at home with family following a brief illness.
Virginia was born on March 15, 1933, in Henryetta, Okla., to Irvan and Violet (Amburn) Darnall. On October 11, 1953, she married Loren E. Smith Jr. in Springfield, Mo. They went on to have three beloved children and share 72 wonderful years together. Her priority was always her family, but she had many passions including reading mysteries; playing card games ranging from bridge with friends to Skip-Bo with her grandchildren; tending to her flowers; and road-tripping throughout North America while journaling all the way.
Virginia was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Joplin, Mo., for more than 58 years, where she sang in the choir, served on the board and worked in various women’s ministries.
Virginia’s life was filled with cherished friends including many from her church family, her bridge-playing buddies, extended family and neighbors that she held very dear. She was loved by many and will be remembered for her warm smiles, kind words and joyful demeanor.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents and youngest brother, Jerry Darnall. She is survived by her husband, Loren; her brother, Thomas Darnall of St. Cloud, Minn.; her daughters, Jan Smith and Lisa Ewing (John) of Joplin, Mo.; her son, Eric Smith (Patricia) of Fayetteville, Ark.; five grandchildren, Bethany Bandy (Brian) of Joplin, Mo Braden Ewing of Bentonville, Ark., Marissa Ewing, Jackson Smith and Benjamin Smith, all of Fayetteville, Ark.; and two great-grandchildren, Eli Bandy and Avalyn Bandy, both of Joplin, Mo.
Honoring Virginia’s wishes, a family celebration of life is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Virginia’s memory to First Christian Church, 409 W. 4th St., Joplin, Mo.
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