Ceola P. Smith

Ceola P. Smith was born February 8, 1929 in Bessemer, Alabama. She departed this life on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. She was the 8th child of Isaac and Bertha Reynolds Hall. Ceola moved to Dayton at an early age where she attended Dayton Public Schools. She graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School class of 1946. Ceola spent her working career beginning at the VA Medical Center and then went on to DESC and later retired from there. 

Ceola became a devout Christian and was a longstanding member of Gard Avenue Church of Christ until her health began to fail. She was a women’s Bible study leader, a member of the kitchen committee and a very active member of the church.

She enjoyed bowling and was a part of a bowling league while employed at DESC. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with and taking care of her grandchildren and became known as “Granny” to many.

Ceola is preceded in death by her parents, her two spouses: William R. Cummings, Jr. and James G. Smith, Sr.; son, William R. Cummings III (Skipper); brothers: Wade Hall, Robert Hall, Isaac Hall, Jr.; sisters: Estelle Hall, Annie Trivers, Sylvia Robinson and Elizabeth Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Vickie Martin; sons: James M. (Tara) Cummings, Gerald P. (Pamela) Cummings, Gerard A. Cummings and Zachary V. Smith. She has over 30 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved dearly. Two lifelong childhood friends: Mrs. Alvernia Harmon and Mrs. Virginia Cartwright as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

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