On Thursday, April 27, 2023, the Heavenly Angels descended, and Vernell Ballard Carpenter Smith slipped quietly away to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born on January 29, 1930, to the late Robert E. and Mamie Higginbotham Ballard of Amherst, Virginia.

Vernell accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She was baptized and received her Christian education at Piney Grove Baptist Church. She remained a faithful and dedicated member of Piney Grove having served as a Deaconess, choir member, kitchen helper, and a member of the Willing Workers Circle.

Vernell attended and excelled in the public schools of Amherst County. Soon after graduation, she married Foster E. Carpenter in 1949. From that union a son, Donald Edward, was born. Although he was lovingly doted upon, Donald passed away during his first year of life. Several years later after the death of Foster, Vernell married Fred Edward Smith in 1999. They enjoyed 24 years of marriage, caring for, and supporting each other until her death.

Vernell was the youngest of 14 children and welcomed her siblings and their children back home to the family farm as she dutifully cared for her aging parents. She loved the peace and joy of country life as she tended her garden, planted her flowers, and enjoyed the sights and sounds of nature all around her. She was preceded in death by her five brothers, Woody, Richard, Chester, Neven, and Warren Ballard. She also was preceded by eight sisters, Essie Sellers, Flossie Rucker, Dorothy Lee, Ophelia "Sally" Bell, Ellen Henley, Thelma Sylvester, Oney Turner Porter, and Lucille Blair.

In addition to her husband, Fred Smith, she leaves to cherish her memory two stepdaughters, Patricia Lee (Clinton) and Freda Clark (Donald); a goddaughter, Kathy Rucker Shepherd; four step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, James and Harold Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews. She also will be greatly missed by caring neighbors, church members, and longtime friends.

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I've fought a gallant fight and victory has now been won, you too should do no less until your days are done. Shed no tears of sorrow, I'd rather you rejoice, I've just gone before you, that was my Master's choice.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, May 06, 2023, at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Mrs. Smith will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Briarwood Memorial Garden. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.