Saturday, August 15, 2026, God called his beautiful and loving servant to eternal rest. Gladys Virginia (Smith) Pendleton Perry, the Matriarch of the Smith family, was born October 3, 1929, in Staunton, Virginia to Frank and Florine Smith.

Virginia, as she was called by friends, attended Staunton Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1947. She then attended St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, where she graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She continued post graduate studies at Virginia Union University, James Madison University, and University of Virginia. She also was a former member of the Virginia Education Association.

In 1947, during segregation, Virginia began her teaching career at Rosenwald School in Waynesboro, Virginia. She subsequently transferred to the Staunton Public School System. In 1966, Virginia was one the first African American teachers to integrate the Staunton Public School System, where she taught tirelessly for 36 years.

After retirement, Virginia became a member of the Board of Directors of Effie Ann Johnson Nursery, tutored at Booker T. Washington after school program, volunteered at Woodrow Wilson rehab center, was president of the Council of Organization at Woodrow Wilson rehab center, a 2003 Women’s History Month honoree, charter member of The United Voices Community Choir and charter member of Booker T. Washington Alumni Association. Virginia is a published poet, being recognized in two anthologies, and featured in two publications, In Their Own Words and That’s the Way it Was.

Virginia was a lifelong active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church until her transition. She was former superintendent of Sunday school, member of the Senior choir, pianist for the children’s choir, charter member of the R.C. Pannell Auxiliary, and on the Mother’s Ministry Board.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband’s, Thomas Perry and Landon Pendleton; her parents, Frank and Florine Smith; nephew/son, James Norman Smith; and daughter, Landanese Pendleton Jackson.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her sons, Eugene (Debbie) and Frank, with whom she resided; grandchildren Marcus (Katie); Adam (Karsten); Maya Pendleton, Ayana Jackson (Linwood); two great-grandchildren, Riley and Hayes Pendleton; two special nieces, Patrice and Lauren Smith; special adopted daughter Verna Robinson and daughters, Vanessa and Keisha Wilson.

Her legacy of strength, perseverance, and strong faith will continue to inspire and encourage generations to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Ebenezer Baptist Church by Rev. Dr. Michael Turner.

Burial will follow at Oaklawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.