Elva Jervis Smith

elva smith
Elva Jervis Smith, 99, of Asheville, passed away October 1, 2009, following several years of declining health. Born in Buncombe County on July 15, 1910, she was a daughter of the late Alpha Tillery and the Rev. Charles E. Jervis, who was pastor of Newfound Baptist Church in Leicester from 1902-1915. The youngest of eleven children, she was also preceded in death by all of her sisters and brothers, Ethel J. Penley, C. Fred Jervis, Hattie J. Hayes, Hildreth J. Tucker, Thelma J. Frederick, Marion J. Wilson, Curtis M. Jervis, Ellen J. Lowder and two infants who died in childbirth. Mrs. Smith was married for 61 years to Riley W. Smith, who died in 1994. Peggy Louise Smith, the elder of their daughters, died in 1948 at the age of 11. Elva is survived by her younger daughter, Kay S. Sharpe and husband Alan D. Sharpe of Asheville; three nieces Corynne Penley Lusk of Leicester, Billie Wilson Best of Ringgold, GA, and Jerry Anne Jervis Allred of Etowah; two nephews, Charles R. Jervis of Bartow, FL and George H. Wilson of Decatur, AL. She was preceded in death by her niece Thelma J. Pittman of Hendersonville and her nephew, Donavan J. Penley of Tampa, FL. She was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church for 63 years where she served in the nursery for a number of years and was associate treasurer for a short time. A graveside service will be held at Green Hills Cemetery on Saturday at 2:00 pm with the Revs. Dr. James H. Johnson and Stan Welch officiating. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials be made to the West Asheville Baptist Church Building Fund, 926 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 or to the Newfound Baptist Cemetery Fund, c/o Marie Roberts, 1147 Old Leicester Highway, Asheville, NC 28806. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Sue Surrett, Barbara Evans, Juanita Briggs, Pat Burcham, Frances Brinkley, Geri Holcombe and the Friendship Sunday School Class of West Asheville Baptist Church for the love and attention given to Elva in the latter days of her life.

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  1. Kay and Alan I am so sorry for the loss of of Kay’s Mother,,she was a dear and beautiful Lady…I always thought highly of her and Riley,working with him was a pleasure..God gave her a long life..but still when you loose your Mom you have lost your best friend.
    Love you two…you are in my Prayers..Cherish her Memories they are forever…

  2. The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever’. Isa 32:17. Praise the Lord, Mrs. Smith you have the peace now, never to feel separated from your Savior.

  3. Aunt Elva had a strong sense of family history. In visits to her in her very late years, she related many stories to William and me about the Jervis family. This gave me a rich heritage and appreciation for my roots. One of my most wonderful memories with Aunt Elva occurred during the time she was still able to travel fairly short distances. She let William and me take her to Leicester and to Newfound Baptist Church, where she pointed out gravesites of many family members I had heard of all my life but had never met. She also related events from her growing up years in Leicester and showed us some of the places where they occurred. That day with her created a wonderful memory for me and one I shall never forget! Though she became frail in body, her mind remained clear and sharp.
    In those last visits, Kay, she said many times what a wonderful daughter you were and how much she appreciated all you did for her. And you were!
    I rejoice to think of Aunt Elva and the great reunion that has taken place in Heaven as she joined once again all those family members she loved so much!

  4. To Kaye and Alan,
    Sorry about the loss of your mother. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one. Thank you for allowing me to meet her when I stayed with both of approximately 31 years ago. God Bless
    Kevin Gardner


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