Annie Walton Smith

Annie Walton Smith November 14, 1935 - July 11, 2018 Annie Walton “Bert” Smith, age 82, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 11, 2018. She was a resident of St. Augustine, FL. Born in Wilmington, N.C. and raised in Jacksonville, N.C., Bert grew up with a creative desire to improve the lives of those around her. An honor roll student, she attended Wake Forest University, graduating cum laude in 1958 with a degree in English. While at Wake Forest, she met and married her college sweetheart, Bill Smith, on August 17, 1958. Shortly after their marriage, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army and then shipped off to serve in Germany during the Korean War. Stationed in Germany with her husband, Bert took a job teaching classes to U.S. Soldiers. After returning from Germany, Bert and Bill lived in Wilmington and Winston Salem, N.C. following Bill’s career in broadcasting. In addition to raising a family, Bert was always very involved in the communities in which she lived. She volunteered with Crisis Control Ministry, where she served as board President; and later went on to become intricately involved in sponsoring six of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Bert was a talented artist; she enjoyed painting scenes of nature, creating beautiful jewelry purchased by boutiques, and sewing unique clothing worn by family members for many generations. After Bill’s retirement in 1987, they settled in Newport News, VA for 29 years. Bert was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Newport News where she served as a Deacon, Adult Sunday School Teacher, and on numerous committees. Above all, Bert was a woman of deep faith who touched the many lives of those around her and she will be deeply missed. Bert is survived by her husband of 60 years, William Tunis “Bill” Smith of St. Augustine, FL, a daughter, Avery Greene, and her husband Mike of St. Augustine, a son, Guy Smith of Winston Salem, N.C., a granddaughter, Anne Pennington of Alexandria, VA., a grandson, M. Byron Pennington of Ponte Vedra, FL, and a great-grandson, Mason Pennington. Private services will be held. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.