Vesta Delorise Smaw, 85, transitioned to be with the Lord on September 22, 2021. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.

Vesta was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Church Smaw, to whom she was married for 59 years.

Vesta received her education from the Historic Rosenwald School (Panama City, FL) and Florida A&M University. She was a dedicated wife, caring mother, adoring grandmother, and a loyal friend to many. As a military spouse, she lived in varied locations, finally settling in Lynn Haven, Florida, upon her husband's retirement from the U.S. Air Force. Vesta was employed by Bay District Schools, where she shared her passion for learning with hundreds of children, over the years, until her retirement.

She is survived by three children, Church (Peggy), Karen (Paul) and Eric (Tymesia); four grandchildren, Marquis, Brittney (Jake), Kyle and Kellen; five great-grandchildren, Jesse, Jake, Isabella, Jace and Imaya; devoted siblings James Gautier (Flossie) and Sandra Cooper; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Pasco Gainer, Sr., Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Monday, October 4, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association
( https://www.heart.org/ ).

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