SMITH

Willie Mae Varnado Smith, 97, died at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at her home in Franklinton. Born May 20, 1915, she graduated from Franklinton High School in 1934 and was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton, where she was a member of the Senior Singers. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Franklinton’s Chamber of Commerce, and one of the first and longest active businesswomen in Franklinton, as she was the owner and operator of Hall’s Hardware for more than 40 years. She also loved gardening and was an excellent cook. She was forever a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Genevieve Smith Brannan of Franklinton, Brenda Smith Durr and Col. Donald Durr of Williamsburg, Va., and Hallene Smith Magee and Randy Magee of Franklinton; seven grandchildren and spouses, Col. William Sherry Brannan Jr. and Yumi Brannan of Abita Springs, Callie B. Foreman and Clayton Foreman of Covington, Wendy Durr Wall and Sidney Wall of Luanda, Angola, Africa; Donald David Durr Jr. and Jane Lauren Durr of Richmond, Va., Robin Magee Einarson and Brad Einarson of Atlanta, Whitney Magee Delouche and Bo Delouche of Madisonville and Clayton Hall Magee of Lafayette; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hall Luther Smith; six sisters; five brothers; two infant siblings; and a son-in-law, William Sherry Brannan Sr.

Visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 9 at Crain Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Paul Watts and Rev. Dale Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Col. William Sherry Brannan Jr., David Durr Jr., Clayton Magee, Joshua Foreman, Jonathan Foreman, Jacob Foreman, Caleb Foreman and Connor Brannan.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.