Vivian P. Smith

Yorktown, Va. – Vivian P. Smith (84), a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, passed away January 27th, 2026, surrounded by her devoted husband and family. She is preceded in death by her parents John L. Pace and Gladys A. Pace, her sister Judy Hodgins, brother Richard Pace, and cousin Donald Levi. Vivian is survived by her loving husband, Ernie Smith Sr., to whom she was married for 65 years, and her loving family daughter Kimberly Jewel (Shawn), her sons Ernest Jr. and Eric Smith (Brandi). She had five grandchildren, Tyler Jewel, Mackenzie Smith, Samantha Smith, Amber Holt, and Noah Smith, and three great grandchildren, Kyler, Elleanor, and Luca, all of whom she absolutely adored. She is also survived by three sisters, Brenda Disano, Joyce Lamm, and Janice Keller.
Vivian was born in Fletcher, North Carolina and moved to Hampton, Virginia with her family at a young age. She and Ernie, who was the love of her life, settled in Yorktown in 1968. Vivian grew up with a strong sense of purpose combined with ambition and started working at age 14. She developed an interest in fashion and embraced the industry working for Beeline Fashions Inc. where she quickly rose to regional manager and traveled extensively. Throughout her 15-year career she made lifelong friends and made her impact on the fashion world. She transitioned to a 35-year career in the mortgage industry where she again put her ambition to work, becoming an industry leader working for C&F Mortgage Corp. (23 years) where they recognized her with numerous awards. Her daughter Kim had the pleasure of working with her as a loan officer partner for over 17 years.
Most important of all, Vivian was a dedicated Christian and Church volunteer. She dearly loved spending time with her family. Her devotion and joy in family embodied her whole life. She treasured the small moments like backyard cookouts, babysitting grandchildren, as much as the big adventures like trips to Disney World, snow skiing, beach excursions, and her very favorite camping at Kerr Lake with the family (and the Hyatts) and enjoying our boat (the VE-KEE). Family and friends remember Vivian for her warmth, kindness, and how she loved us so. We miss hearing her call us “honey.” We will miss her.
The family will celebrate her life, welcoming all who wish to join us, at Amory Funeral Home (Yorktown) on Friday, February 6, 2026 between 6-7pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Yorktown, VA, with a reception at St. Luke’s following the service. A graveside service will commence at Peninsula Memorial Cemetery at 1pm. Vivian was a 25-year breast cancer survivor and we encourage any memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Go to relayforlife.org to send a donation.