Elsie Willene Smith, daughter of the late Irvin and Susie Woolfolk, was born on January 29, 1936, in Caroline County, Virginia.  She attended public schools in Caroline County.

In 1952, she was united in holy matrimony to Jeremiah B. Smith, Sr., and from this union, four children were born.

To many friends and family, she identified with the name "Willene", but for her children, it was always "Mom".  During her earlier years in Virginia, Elsie worked at Jerrell Truck Plaza in Doswell, Virginia.  After moving to New York, she made a successful life for herself that enabled her to help support her children from a distance.  Also, while living in New York, she received her diploma.  She worked in the supermarket service industry for more than 30 years as a supervisor and bookkeeper.

In addition to her parents, Elsie was preceded in death by her brother, Wellington Woolfolk.

She leaves cherished memories to her four children:  Jeremiah Smith (Bettie), Gilda Newman (James), Richard Smith (Sandra) and Debbie Smith-Delvalle; eight grandchildren: Jermaine, Latesha, Jessica, Sherry, Sherwin, Christopher, Jamal and Julia; eleven great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2022 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc; 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Reedy Baptist Church, 15076 Dry Bridge Road, Ruther Glen, Virginia 22546, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Livestreaming will be available on C.W. Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Due to COVID-19 a mask or face covering will be required.