NATCHEZ – Services for Beverly Barnes Smith, 70, of Natchez, who died Saturday, April 19, 2008, at Glenburney Nursing Facility, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with the Rev. Birdon Mitchell Jr. officiating.
Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Robert D. Mackel and Sons Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. today in the church’s upstairs auditorium with an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority rites and family hour from 6 to 7 p.m.
Mrs. Smith was born April 27, 1937, in Collins, the daughter of Elmer Barnes and Lora Lucas Barnes. She was a member of Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, having rendered 50 years of service. She served on the church’s board of trustees of and was the secretary. Mrs. Smith was the adult Sunday school teacher, a member and secretary of the senior choir, assistant youth choir director and delegate to the general conference.
Mrs. Smith was an educator for more than 40 years. She received a bachelor of science degree from Jackson State University in elementary education and a master of science degree in guidance/counseling. Further studies included the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., and University of Southern Mississippi-Natchez Campus. Mrs. Smith was a counselor at Thompson Middle School. She was president for the local chapter of Jackson State Alumni Association and had served as the secretary and vice president.
Mrs. Smith served in various other church and civic activities on state and community levels.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Julius Barnes and Nolan Barnes.
Survivors include one son, Darryl Smith and wife, Priscilla; three granddaughters, Jivanna Smith and twins, JaMira and JaKira Smith, all of Natchez; three sisters, Dr. Robbie Bingham and husband, Dr. Haskell Bingham, both of Petersburg, Va., Ruth McCann of Collins and Mae Marshall of Carriere; three brothers, Oree Barnes and wife, Anita, both of Los Angeles, Bernis Barnes and wife, Forrestine, both of Silver Springs, Md., and George Barnes and wife, Doris, both of Utica; one godson, Edward Mackel Jr. of Chicago; friend and caregiver, George Smith of Natchez; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be friends and family.