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Vernona Mae (Kidd) Smith was born on 10/23/1939 to the descendants of Willie Mae and Alfonso D. Kidd Sr. She was the 3rd of 4 siblings, 2 of which preceded her in death, Juanita Dowlen and Geraldine Studdmeyer.
“Nona”, a nickname affectionally given to her by her family, gave her life to Christ at the age of 5 and was baptized at Spiritual Redemption Community Church under the leadership of Bishop Arthur Freeman. Moving around as a child, she attended various churches. Nona rededicated her life to Christ and then joined Leonard Baptist under the leadership of Pastor Steve Thompson. She was on the usher board, as well as sang in the choir and served as a greeter. Nona was just happy to be in a church she loved and wanted to do everything. She moved on and became a member of Prince of Peace, under the leadership of Pastor Willie K. Patrick. She was on the usher board and in the choir. After a brief stay there she moved to the county to be closer to her daughters. She met friends in her new complex which led her to joining House of David Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Ricky Walker. She remained a faithful member until her death. She also wore various hats, but her most favorite was being on the Mother Board. Nona was the epitome of being a servant of God.
Nona attended St. Louis public schools and graduated from Sumner in 1957. She attended college and received a certificate in Medical Coding. Nona worked at Barnes Hospital 1968-1976 in various positions. She retired and moved to Detroit in 1976 where she worked at Boxford Hospital for 4 years. Missing her family, she returned to St. Louis and went back to Barnes until she retired in 2004.
In 1957, Nona met Harold Dodd. In 1959, she gave birth to a precious baby girl that she named Rhonda. In 1961, she met Hercules Lacy, and in 1962 they were married. In July 1964, a beautiful baby girl was born of this union, by the name of Michelle. In 1973, Nona married Vincent Samuel Smith (who preceded her in death) where she gained three daughters, Sandra (who preceded her in death), Gaye and Connie, and they became one big happy blended family.
Nona loved knitting and crocheting, playing cards, singing, bowling and dancing. She loved her arts and crafts. If there were any place that had arts and craft shows and she could be there, she was. She took a class where she learned how to cut and decorate stained glass. She also dabbled in making cakes and homemade ice cream. She would invite any and everyone over to taste her ice cream that she would make for others for she would rarely eat it herself she just loved seeing smiles on everyone else’s face.
As the dementia advanced, she may have forgotten people, or what day it was BUT she never forgot about God. She knew Who she was, and whose she was. Her faith never wavered. We have so many good memories that we can hold on to when our hearts are overwhelmed. The bible says in Psalm 61:2 “WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED LEAD ME TO THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I.”
Mother Vernona received her wings on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 4:50 P.M. She leaves to cherish Her memory 4 daughters, Rhonda Kidd, Michelle Lacy-Peebles (Bennie) Darlene Williams, and Connie Jeffries; 1 brother, Alfonzo Kidd; 2 grandchildren, Brandon and Brittanie Peebles; 2 great grandchildren, Saniyah Peebles and Sebastian Lacy Rogers; 2 nieces, Rosetta Kidd and Sandra Cain; 2 nephews, Gerald Goodin and Horiatus Johnson, Jr.; 1 special cousin, Frank Henderson; a special family that adopted and loved her dearly, The Zanders Family; a special best friend that has been there for her since childhood, Gwendolyn Hodges; .and a host of other cousins, family and friends.
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