Viola May Smith

Viola May Smith (Smitty), 77, of Long Branch, NJ departed this life on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ.  She was born in Summit, NJ on September 30, 1945, to Melvin Edward and Annabelle Bellfield (Gilford).

Viola spent her early years growing up in the Ramtown section of Howell, NJ. She graduated from Freehold Boro High School in 1964.  Before completing high school, in 1962, she was lucky to meet her soulmate, Willie Smith. She and Willie wed in February 1965. Together she and Willie gave birth to three wonderful daughters and was gifted a bonus daughter and son. 

After high school Viola attended Monmouth County Vocational School of nursing where she obtained her NJ State License as an LPN (License Practical Nurse) in 1965. She worked at Fitkin Hospital/Jersey Shore Medical Center for over 20 years, where most of her employment was spent in the Pediatric Unit. Later Viola shifted disciplines and was employed by various Nursing Home Facilities; Neptune Convalescent (now Coral Harbor Center), Victoria Convalescent Center, Monmouth Care and The Lodge. Viola was a previous member of the NJ Nurses Association. 

Viola enjoyed spending time outdoors in the sunshine.  She loved making others laugh and was known for her quick wit and “Vi-isms”.  Spending time with her grandchildren was her time to shine.  Some of her favorite pastimes included reading, listening to music and retail therapy.  Viola absolutely feared flying, but loved to travel, some of her favorite places to visit were Atlantic City, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Florida.

Viola was a long-time member of Second Baptist Church, Long Branch.

Viola joined Elizabeth Bunn Temple #677 IBPOE of W, Neptune, NJ, in 1981.  She held Temple offices of Recording Secretary and Trustee for many years and was a member of the Elizabeth Bunn Temple #677 and JT Newman Lodge #998 choir.  Viola was the Chairperson for the Youth Marching Unit – Quintones and Bowling League.  She was the chairperson for the yearly fashion where proceeds were donated to 180 Turning Lives Around for battered women for Mary Hightower Council middle district of NJ.  Viola was a member of Grand Temple and NJ State Association Nursing Units.  

She was predeceased by her parents; two sisters, Beatrice Bellfield, and Ann Bellfield; a brother, Melvin Bellfield, Jr; daughter, Ceceilia Johnson and two grandsons, David Battle, Jr and Kyle Ruffin.

Viola is survived by her loving husband, Willie Smith; three daughters, Meloney Smith, Hagerstown, MD, Theresa Smith-Lipscomb, Long Branch, NJ, Kendra Smith, Long Branch, NJ; a son, Currean Smith (Shalonda), Warner Robins, GA; two sisters, Cynthia Ingraham, FL and Miriam Warren, Neptune NJ; one brother, Jesse Bellfield, Asbury Park, NJ; seven grandchildren, Joshua Smith (Cait), Justin Smith, Aniyah Allen, Tazmere Smith, Isaiah Battle, Nahmere Smith and Zoey Lipscomb; one great-granddaughter, Sophia Hoistion; one great-grandson, Willie Speller, Jr; and her grand-dogger, Sasha and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and extended “babies”.

To the best, Wife, Mother, Sister, Friend, bonus mom, we love and miss you beyond words.  To all who offered condolences/support to the family during this difficult time, WE SINCERELY THANK YOU!

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