| Isaac Brooks Smith, 86, went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2006. He was born February 11, 1920 in Akron, OH, a son of the late Rex H. and Nina May Hensley Smith. His siblings include the late Dennis Smith and the late Charles Smith; also, Madlyn Backus of Accokeek, MD, Marion Harold and Steven Smith both of Newton.
He graduated from Spencer High School in 1938 and after completing his teaching certification at Glenville State College, Brooks began a teaching career at Trace Fork, a one room school, in Roane County. Shortly, however, he was called to serve in the Army during World War II. Upon returning from the Army, he continued to teach and completed a Master's Degree and Administration Certification from West Virginia University. Brooks became a principal and superintendent of schools in Clay County (1952-1961) and a principal and superintendent of schools in Jackson County (1961-1967). He also served as superintendent of schools in Mason County (1967-1971) and then moved back to Jackson County in 1972 as director of school maintenance and retired in 1975.
He married his lifetime companion, Katie Elizabeth Vineyard in 1940. Although they grew up within three miles of each other, they did not formally meet until they were at Glenville State College. Brooks and Katie have three surviving children, Dr. Dennie Smith of College Station, TX, Dr. Randy Smith of Ripley, WV, and Dr. Nina Smith of Harrisonburg, VA; and two children deceased, Timothy William and Lorraine Kathryn. Nine grandchildren include, Chad Smith, Niki Holman and Shannon McCarty; Raigan Whyte, Brooke Gibson and Carrie Allen; Matthew, Nathan and Katie Greyard; 11 great grandchildren include, Zachery and Devon Holman; Riley, Tess and Tabitha McCarty; Ashtyn, Kaitlyn and Christopher Whyte; Devin and Graeson Gibson; and Olivia Allen; one great grandchild, due to be born December 2006, Savannah Allen.
Aside from being an educator, who believed that all children could learn, his many leadership facets were evident in other community activities. His numerous friends and family will remember his good spirit and his ability to tell a good story to make a defining point. His love of gardening and helping those in need was part of his enduring character.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28 in the Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley, where the funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow in the Smith Cemetery, Uler, Roane County, WV.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either your local hospice or the Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley, WV 25271.
John H. Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer, is in charge of arrangements. |
