Lessie Vernyce Smith March 2, 1915 - January 7, 2012 March 2, 1915, the late Dave and Eliza Minor in Arkabutla, Mississippi gave birth to Lessie Vernyce Minor. Lessie “Bea” was next to the youngest of 21. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 12 noon at the Magnolia First Baptist Church, 1518 S. Cooper, Memphis, TN 38114. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. prior to the funeral. Lessie moved with her family at the age of ten from MS to South Memphis. “Aunt Bea,” as she was affectionately called, completed LaRose Elementary School and graduated from the 12th grade at Booker T. Washington High School in 1934. Lessie showed her passion and love for her church in all her actions. Having confessed a belief in Christ at an early age, she believed strongly in the power of the word in our lives. She enjoyed reading and explaining the scriptures and exhibited this trait as she taught Sunday School. She served in leadership roles on the Usher Board, Mothers’ Board and Missionary Society and outside of the church as an Eastern Star. She lived a life of compassion, love, and servant leadership. On Sunday morning she could be observed in her black or white hat, walking briskly to Sunday School. Twenty of the twenty- one siblings preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her a son Dr. Claibourne Smith (Roseann) and a daughter - Ms. Carolyn Smith; three granddaughters, Kristina Flack, Patricia Perry and Victoria Smith (deceased), one grandson, Tony J. Smith, three great-grandchildren, Anthony Roberts, Alex Perry, Austin Perry, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.