Vilma L. Smith

Vilma “Vil” Louise (Adams) Smith, 95, of Galesburg, went to her eternal home Friday, November 22, 2024, at 11:05 a.m.

Vil was born October 22, 1929, in Oakland, California, the daughter of Frank and Jewel (Sylva) Adams. As a senior in high school, she met Lester D. Smith while he was attending college in Oakland. Reared and educated in Oakland, she graduated from Fremont High School in 1946. Vil and Les later married on September 21, 1947, in Reno, Nevada. Together, they lived in Oakland for many years until moving to Galesburg. Les preceded her in death on December 26, 2020.

Left to cherish her memory are three daughters: Kim (Harold) Wynkoop of Galesburg, Tammy (Sam) TerBeek of Knoxville, and Leslee (Gene) Charness of Highland Park, Illinois; five beloved grandchildren: Damon Morrison, Nicole (Jamie Andrew) Stewart, Ginny (Jamie) Shepherd, Torry Harris, Frank Charness; and four great grandchildren: Paige (Austin) Coke, Evan Shepherd, Christian Krumlauf, Dalton Morrison. Also surviving is one brother-in-law, Lawrence Smith of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and a former son-in-law, Jerry Brodine of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 73 years, Les; a daughter, Karyn Brodine; one sister, Geraldine (Art) Eastman; one brother, Bob (Sellamae) Adams; one son-in-law, Bruce Morrison; and a sister-in-law, Marion (Bob) White.

Vil modeled for I. Magnin & Co. in Oakland for many years. She also had other various jobs over the years such as O.T. Johnson’s, Gates Rubber Co., Bergner’s, and Swedough’s. Mostly she was a dedicated homemaker, mother, and caretaker. Vil was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She was a past president of the Women’s Club and volunteered for Community Treasures, formerly known as Cottage Corner. Vil enjoyed bowling, she bowled in a bowling league for several years. She was an avid collector of carousel horses, a master bridge player, and a bit of an artist.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Chaplain Jordan Knight will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the burial at the Thomas Legacy Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or a charity of donor’s choosing.