Venita A. Smith (October 10, 1960 – August 31, 2025)

Visitation: Friday, September 12, 2025
Visitation Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Visitation Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida

Service Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church
302 Church Street
Leesburg, Florida

Obituary:

Venita A. Smith, 64, of Panama City, FL, departed this life on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The youngest of six children, Venita was born on October 10, 1960 in Eustis, FL to Ulysses and Edna Mae Durias of Mt. Dora, FL. Both of her parents, a brother, Melvin Durias, and a sister, Alphonsa Woodard, preceded her in death.

Venita was raised in a Christian, loving and close-knit family. At an early age, she acknowledged the Lord as her personal savior and was an active member of Bethel Free Methodist Church, Mt. Dora, FL. She lived a life marked by faith, compassion, and love for others.

Venita was a graduate of Mt. Dora High School and Lake Sumter Community College and excelled academically. She loved sports and was an impressive softball and basketball player. She was competitive but kind, strong but fair. Venita always played with joy and spirit. On May 10, 1980, in the presence of Almighty God, this sweet and gentle soul gave her heart of love to Victor Smith because he was the man that made her smile. As a military wife, she was the steady anchor in a life built on service, sacrifice, and deep commitment. She stood faithfully beside her husband through numerous deployments, and countless moves. She was known for creating a loving home no matter where life took them.

Venita’s greatest pride and joy was her family, especially her son, Cameron and her beloved grandsons, Jordan, Isaiah, Axel and Jet. She generously poured her perceptive wisdom, unconditional love, comforting warmth and unshakable support to each of them. She taught them, through example, what kindness looks like, what patience feels like and what it means to be loved. She modeled the Golden Rule and encouraged her family to treat others as they would want to be treated.

Venita was a proud member of Order of the Eastern Star PHA Oklahoma Jurisdiction – a Masonic affiliated organization – where she found fellowship and a strong sense of community. Her membership was more than a name on a roll call, it was a reflection of the life she led – one of service, faith and friendship. She gave selflessly of her time and earthly possessions to support others.
Venita possessed a rare kind of strength — one not measured in volume or stature, but in kindness, grace, and the soft power of compassion. To those who knew her, she was a sweet and gentle giant — a woman of quiet strength, endless kindness, and a heart that held more love than words could ever express. Her gentle voice, kind eyes, and open arms made her a steady presence in a busy world. She loved deeply, listened intently, and gave generously — never seeking the spotlight, but always shining in her own way.

Venita was endowed with the gift for making people feel seen, heard, safe and valued. Her laugh was soft but contagious. Her hugs were endearing and felt like an oasis. Her words were kind and sincere and came from a heart overflowing with love. To know Venita was to feel the presence of something sacred — a heart full of quiet wisdom. She is now wrapped in the loving arms of God and will live continually in our hearts.

Venita leaves to reflect the legacy of her sweet, sweet spirit a loving and affectionate husband, Victor Smith; a cherished and devoted son, Cameron Smith (Angela); four adorable grandsons – Jordan Smith, Isaiah Smith, Axle Smith and Jet Smith all reside in Panama City, FL; two charming sisters, Ruby Willingham, Valdosta, GA, Gloria Ford (Eddie), Mt. Dora, FL; one dedicated brother, Herman Durias (Rebecca), Nanuet, New York; an attentive aunt, Johnnie Mae Shaw of Jacksonville, FL; A nurturing Mother-in-Law, Dorothy Connelly Smith, Wesley Chapel, FL; two endearing Sister-In-Laws, Angela P. Smith, Wesley Chapel, FL and Greta R. Smith, Tampa, FL; an amazing Brother-in-Law, Benjamin F. Smith II, Tampa, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives, and three remarkable friends: LaJun Garry, Deborah Griggs, and Michelle Joseph who were her cherished gifts.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 4-6 PM at the mortuary. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 11:00 AM at St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church, 302 Church Street, Leesburg with Rev. Benjamin F. Smith II, eulogist.