Irva B. Smith

Irva Elizabeth Bussard Smith, 98, widow of Alexander Forrest Smith, Sr., of Staunton, died Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Augusta Health Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.

She was born February 23, 1926 in Bolar, Highland County, a daughter of the late Eutis W. Bussard and Verna “Vernie” Miller Bussard. 

Irva graduated from Monterey High School in 1942 and moved to Staunton soon after, where she attended Dunsmore Business College. She was a member of the Staunton Church of the Brethren.

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Deanna M. Smith; her grandchildren, Eric Forrest Smith and his wife, Abigail, of Houston, Texas, Shaun Alexander Smith and his wife, Jen Little, of Portland, Oregon, and John Travis Smith and his wife, Karla, of Austin, Texas; her granddaughter-in-law, Carol Cash of Swoope; and her nine great-grandchildren, Brandon Cash, Travis Cash, Sadie Smith, Jackson Smith, Sage Smith, Maisie Smith, Luca Smith, Natalie Smith, and Lily Smith. 

She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Ellen Bussard of Gum Springs, Virginia, and a number of nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her husband, whom she married on May 20, 1944, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her children, Alexander "Sonny" Forrest Smith, Jr., Dorothy “Dot” Marie Cash, and Ronald “Butch” Carson Smith; a grandson, Brent Allen Cash; her brothers, Dale W. Bussard and Ward M. Bussard; and her twin sisters, Lenna B. Carroll and Lennis B. Lockridge.

Irva’s life was a shining example of strength, perseverance, and self-reliance. She was unwavering in her devotion to her family, continuously putting others above herself. She managed to live life according to her own plan, relying on others as little as possible, up to her final days. And she managed to do it all with faith, kindness, and love.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Staunton Church of the Brethren with Pastor Beth Jarrett officiating. 

Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.

Pallbearers will be Billy Branham, Eugene Bussard, Brandon Cash, Travis Cash, Daniel Pitsenbarger, Ray Pitsenbarger, Jackson Smith, and Lewis Wilson. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Staunton Church of the Brethren (1615 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401).

The family would like to thank the staff of the Shenandoah Hospice House for their warmth, compassion, and support during her time there.