Vickie Lynn Smith

Vickie Lynn Smith, of Blairs, Virginia, passed peacefully on November 30, 2023. She was greeted by the arms of her own mother, Marcella Ritter who preceded her in death in 2021. She was also preceded by her father, Eldridge Ritter in 1960. Raised on a farm in Stephens City, Virginia, she grew up with many stories to tell about her childhood that include her siblings Greg, Katie, and Jamie, who survive.

She was known as “Vic” to her husband, Chris, of 51 years. Through marriage and adoption, she was given the name “Mama” by her children Janel Nichole (John) and Samuel Jordan (Brittany). Her greatest title was given to her in 2008 when her sweet, vivacious, and witty grandson, Christopher Jordan, entered this world. To our small family that she considered larger than life, she was always known as “Nana”.

Vickie served her community as a pre-school teacher in various settings for over 20 years. She was the foundation of early childhood education for many children who attended Danville Regional Medical Center’s child care center, Just Kids, and Beckie’s Kiddee Kollege. Her devotion to her “kids” created her legacy as “Miss Vickie”. It was through her career that she formed an unbreakable bond with her special friends Lea, Terri, and Michelle.

While Vickie Lynn has many names, all who met and knew her were always greeted with grace, kindness, and quick-witted one-liners. She loved to cook for her family, no matter the occasion as well as walk the shore and collect the seashells of Carolina Beach. Her passion for the Christmas holiday was infectious. She was an avid dog lover, especially to her own Penny. You could also hear her loud cheers for the Dallas Cowboys and the UNC Tar Heels. She found comfort in singing church hymns and listening to the live tunes of Dave Matthews Band. She loved golf, hummingbirds, lipstick, and Eeyore.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her team at Sovah Health in Danville, Virginia, who were gracious, urgent, and compassionate in her battle against lung cancer. The family also expresses many thanks to Dr. Harpole at Duke University Hospital. In addition, the family extends their love and appreciation to Christ Episcopal Church in Danville, Virginia, of which Vickie was a long-time member.

Vickie loved flowers, so the family will receive flowers on her behalf with love and gratitude. Alternatively, memorial contributions can be made to Christ Episcopal Church: 3245 Franklin Turnpike, Danville, Virginia 24540.

Open visitation will be held at Norris Funeral Home on Franklin Turnpike on Saturday, December 9, from 1:30-3:30. A formal memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 30 at 1:30.