Shenda Faye Smith, 46, of Marlinton, unexpectedly passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Born March 13, 1977, at Marlinton Hospital, she was the daughter of James and Diana Smith, of Marlinton.
Shenda graduated from Pocahontas County High School, Class of 1995, and received her B. A. in Environmental Studies (the first person to do so) with a minor in Voice from Bethany College. A lifelong learner, teacher and environmentalist, she taught at every school in Pocahontas County and had previously worked with the Pocahontas County Water Resource Task Force, the Greenbrier River Watershed Association and as a naturalist at Watoga State Park.
She was a devoted mother, dedicated teacher, Pocahontas County Opera House board member, Brushy Flat Bushwhackers 4-H Club volunteer, and member of the Kappa Delta sorority. A singer, musician and scientist, her family will remember her endless capacity for compassion, her devotion to her children and community, her love of music, consummate commitment to nature, maverick spirit and desire for life.
Shenda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Albert and Ruby Smith and Harold and Audrey Shifflett.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her children, Haylee Smith Hayhurst and Braedan Hayhurst; siblings, Jonathan Smith (Peter Duchan), of New York City, and Kristian Smith, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; uncles and aunts, Butch and Jean Smith, of Denver, Colorado, Gary and Annette Kramer, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and Chester and Kelly Shifflett, of Marlinton; and cousins, Pam Dilley, of Vine Grove, Kentucky, Donna Dilley, of Baldwin, Missouri, Robert and Joyce Dilley, of Eldora, Iowa, Michael and Jennie Smith, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Patrick Smith, of Denver, Colorado, Audrey Williams, of York-ville, Illinois, and Lorne Kramer, of Carbondale, Illinois.
In honor of her birthday, the funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Marlinton United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Pocahontas County Opera House Foundation, Pocahontas County Humane Society, Pocahontas Family Resource Network, Marlinton United Methodist Church, Angel Foundation or the American Kidney Fund.
