Merle Smith

Lila Merle Royster Smith, age 81, of Saxe, Virginia passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021. She was born on April 17, 1939 in Charlotte County, Virginia to the late Don William Royster and the late Mary Elizabeth Lacks Royster.

She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and attended Plantersville Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, William “Billy” Napier and Warren Keith Napier; brother, William Royster; and sister, Mildred L. Royster.

Merle is survived by her husband, Jay Harvey Smith; daughter, Jennifer Smith-Palmer (Robert); son, Joshua Lee Farley; daughter-in-law, Kathy Napier; grandchildren, Barry Napier (Janell), Charity Napier (Kenny), Jay Christian Smith, and Jasmine Palmer; and great-grandchildren, Emma Napier, Benjamin Napier, Amelia Napier, Katelyn Loman, and Kenny Loman, Jr. She is also survived by her good friend and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Allen; sister-in-law, Kathy Coleman (Alfred); brother-in-law, Walter "W.B." Smith; two nephews, Jay Smith and Ronnie Card; devoted friend, Carolyn Martin; and numerous other family members and friends.

A graveside service with Reverend Ralph “Red” Moore officiating will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, 239 Friendship Church Road, Drakes Branch, VA 23937.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Merle’s memory to Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or Plantersville Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.newcomballgoodfh.com. Newcomb Allgood Funeral Home in Chase City, Virginia will be handling the arrangements.