Charla Walters Smith, 87, passed away peacefully at Forrest General Hospital on Sunday, July 16, 2017, surrounded by her family.
Born January 19, 1930, in Laurel, MS, she was the daughter of the late Charles T. Walters and Mary Lewis Walters. Raised in Laurel, she graduated from George S. Gardiner High School (1946) and later graduated from Blue Mountain College, where she earned a B.A. degree with a double major in Social Science and Bible (1950). After teaching for a year, she married her high school sweetheart, Philip Eugene Smith, also from Laurel.
Charla was a devoted and beloved wife to Philip for 66 years. Together they served at Parkway Heights United Methodist, where they were members of the Wesley Club, and where she faithfully taught and loved the Friendship Sunday School Class. They also were loyal supporters of the University of Southern Mississippi, where they began their married life living on campus in 1951.
Charla was a real estate broker for Ryan Realty in Picayune, MS, for 10 years and worked at First United Methodist Church, Picayune, as the Director of Children’s, Youth, and Adult Choirs for 17 years. She expressed her love for her Lord in the way she wholeheartedly served people.
Her first and foremost job role was that of homemaker, as she and Philip lovingly raised their three children: Robin Smith Moody (Buddy) of Poplarville, Gene Smith (Maria), and Kay Smith Ficken (Karl) both of Hattiesburg. Attending sports events, band concerts, and church programs of all sorts, they continued supporting their family as the grandchildren came along. They felt blessed to enjoy seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Charla’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beforehand beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Parkway Heights United Methodist Church, 2420 Hardy Street, Hattiesburg, MS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Edwards Street Fellowship Center, 1919 Edwards Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.