Vera Bain Smith, age 97, of Shawnee, passed away on August 6, 2026. She was born the fourth of five children to Claude W. and Otha Reavis Bain in Hedley, Texas. She graduated from Hedley High School in 1946 as valedictorian of her class. As a result, she received a small scholarship which enabled her to enroll in college, fulfilling a lifelong dream. She received a B.A. Degree from Howard Payne University in 1950 with a major in Elementary Education and later received a Master of Science Degree in Education Administration from the University of Kansas. While a student at Howard Payne, she met Bill Smith whom she married on August 15, 1950, Bill's work as pastor then moved them to Kansas in 1954 where they continued to reside and raise two daughters.

Vera was a teacher/administrator in public schools for 30 years in Texas and Kansas. Her last twenty-four years in the Kansas City, KS Public Schools. After her career in public schools, she did research for the U.S. Department of Education for six years, followed by fifteen years as a tour guide for Blue Ribbon Arrangements and Tours, Kansas City, MO. She credits her resiliency in life to living through The Great Depression, The Dust Bowl Era. and WWII, all stressful and demanding.

She was an accomplished seamstress, loved history, liked music, enjoyed oil painting and making floral arrangements. Family, faith, and working with children were top priorities in Vera's life. She also had a compassion for people, always wanting to meet their needs. She became a Christian as a child and as a teen. committed her life to Christian service. Alongside her secular work she faithfully fulfilled that commitment in churches and denominational ministry for 72 years until an injury made it necessary for her to retire at age 86. She was a member of Nall Avenue Baptist Church, Prairie Village, KS at time of her death.

Vera was preceded death by her husband of 75 years. Bill Smith, of Shawnee KS. She is survived by two daughters: Karen Gossett. Ft. Worth. TX and Renee Rone Odle (Steve), Overland Park. KS; a sister. Anita West. Plano. TX; two grandsons. Taylor Rone (Marissa), Basehor, KS; and Caden Odie, Overland Park, KS, and three great-grandchildren. The family is grateful to Jessica for her daily care, and Caroline, and Ashley from ACG Hospice for their care and concern for our mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis. TN or a charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to gather Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 10:00 am for a service in the Chapel at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue. Overland Park, KS. Graveside will be at 11:00 am. Friends are invited to remain for a lunch at noon to celebrate Bill and Vera's shared life and bond.