Mrs. Eloise Stith Smith, 83, transitioned peacefully in the comfort of her home on July 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Eloise was born on October 27, 1942, in Brunswick County, Virginia, to the late Rufus and Rhoney Pebbles Stith.

She graduated from James Solomon Russell High School in Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1962. Throughout her life, Eloise was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. She began her career at Brown & Williamson before devoting many years to the healthcare field, serving at Petersburg General Hospital and later Central State, where she retired.

Raised in the Christian faith, Eloise attended Piney Grove Baptist Church during her childhood and later became a faithful member of Good News Baptist Church, where she worshipped alongside her church family. Her faith was a source of strength and guidance throughout her life.

She shared 60 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Edward S. Smith, and together they built a family rooted in love, faith, and dedication.

Eloise's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose strength, kindness, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 60 years, Edward S. Smith; her beloved children, Calandra Smith and Edward "Rendell" Smith (Tabatha); her devoted granddaughter, Kierra Booth, whom she lovingly raised as her own; her grandchildren Marliqua Barnes, Kiara Smith, Kierra Holmes, Cequan Francis, and Logan Jones; her bonus grandchildren, Tatiyanna Barnes, Hernasia Roache, and Quadrick Barnes; her great-grandchildren Harmonie Barnes, JayRaki Powell, Knori Booth, and Honestii Singletary, as well as her bonus great-granddaughter, Talaia Williams; her sister, Ivory Adams (the late Jesse Adams, Jr.) of Prince George County, Virginia; her sisters-in-law, Alonah Stith of Houston, Texas, and Anna Tucker (Moses) of Petersburg, Virginia; her niece, Tanya Adams-Justice (Reginald) of Salisbury, Maryland; her nephews, Robert L. Stith, Jr. and Micah Stith (Tangy); her favorite niece and nephew, Dena Brooks and Cory Smith; and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

In addition to her parents, Eloise was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert L. Stith, Sr., of Houston, Texas, and Rufus "Sonny Boy" Stith, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate Staff of Liberty Dialysis, HCA Virginia Chippenham Hospital and Dianne Weeks and Ella McCall for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Eloise throughout her journey. The family also expresses sincere appreciation to Pastor John W. Coleman and the Good News Baptist Church family for their prayers, love, and unwavering support during this difficult time.

Although our hearts are saddened by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her love, wisdom, and caring spirit will live on in the many lives she touched. Her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Good News Baptist Church, 1920 Dupuy Road, Petersburg, VA, Dr. John W. Coleman, Pastor and eulogist. The internment to follow at the Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911 , www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6067537?fl=so&fe=fs