Virginia “Smokey” Smiley passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021. A lifelong Beckley resident,
Smokey was born on February 27, 1933. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in
1952. She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Randolph Michael Smiley, her
parents Stacy and Florence Stover, sisters Marie Summers ( Jim) and Della Jackson (Gif) of
Portland, Oregon and two brothers, Herbert Stover of Beckley, WV and Stacy Stover of
Delaware.
She is survived by her two sons, Michael Kirk Smiley (Natalie) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
Warren Russell Smiley of San Diego, California, and one brother, Eugene Stover of Arizona.
She is the beloved grandmother of Minda Pizzutillo (Alex) of New York City and Theresa and
Alayna Wright of Long Island, New York. And great grandmother of Theresa’s children Lily and
Travis Wright.
Smokey was the first director of volunteers at Raleigh General Hospital. And during her long
career she elevated the volunteer program to new heights. It was a badge of honor to be a part
of the program. She led the volunteers with compassion and enthusiasm. In her last residence
at the Villages of Greystone, many nurses mentioned they got their start in the medical field as
one of Smokey’s volunteers. During her career at the hospital she also managed the gift shop.
And especially enjoyed the buying trips to cities such as Miami, New York, Orlando, Las Vegas
and many others.
Smokey was an active member of Garden Club in Beckley. A life-long Christian, she enjoyed
church and fellowship and was a member of the United Methodist Temple of Beckley. Smokey
was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She loved travel and spending
time with family especially during the holidays in Pittsburgh, Pa.
She especially enjoyed trips to New York City where she saw the musical Wicked as well as
The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. She also attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving
Day Parade. Smokey loved Mountaineer football and basketball and loved watching the games
on TV or occasionally attending in person.
But what she enjoyed most was just spending time with family and friends. She loved cooking
for family and eating around the kitchen table or outside on the deck. She enjoyed spending
time on the deck where she fed hummingbirds and squirrels. She loved her two rescue cats CV
and Doodles.
She also loved drawing and painting. She enjoyed going out to dinner at The Char as well as
getting King Tut’s pizza when family came to visit. Smokey had a kind word for everyone and
will be fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved her.
We will miss her greatly. Smokey found great comfort in her faith. We would like to share this
verse from 2 Corinthians 4:17-8 in her memory.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be no formal funeral. Arrangements are being handled by
Melton Mortuary of Beckley, WV. Smokey will be laid to rest at Sunset Park in a private burial
service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you make a donation to your local animal shelter or
hospice organization of your choice in her name.
The family would like to thank all the staff at The Villages of Greystone for the wonderful care
they gave Smokey. And for accommodating and providing comfort for us during this difficult
time.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Virginia "Smokey" Smiley, please visit our floral store.