The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1903-11-13
In MemOrlaDl.

I Miss Fannie ;. SmitnsOn. Otheis nave
told in the public prints OF the many
virtues Of this noble woman, but there
are several traits Of her exceptionally
fine character that should be emphaslz-
ed +; not only as a Just tribute 10 her ire
aud work. but for the emulation OF
those who knew her, and particularly
as an object lesson to the numerous
pupils, in this and other communities,
who sat at her feet, for 10 these we must
look for evidences Of the useful life, ana
wholesome influences, as II was lived
among US. Born OF Christian parents
she early developed piOus trend
Of mind and heart aud, at the same
time. inherited pulmonary tendencies,
which fed upon her delicate constitu-
ton, wasted her strength and finally
bore her down TO the grave IN the prime
of wOmanhOOd.
Bereft of parents in early life, she inn
medialely assumed the guardianship OF
a brother and two sisters, taking upon
herself the dual responsibility OF parents
and teacher.
Having successfully graduated from
the State Female Normal School at
Farmyille, she at once entered upon
her life work, that Of teaching Ia the
Public Schools Of Virginia.
To her chosen profession she address,
ed herself with all the energies Of MIND
and body, carrying out TO the mlnutest
detail every department Of school work.
for with her, pleasure followed duty as
echo follows song. In fact, duty was
her watchword. After four years OF
service in the schools Of Amherst,
where she drew about her coterle OF
friends and admirers, she was called
to the Public High School OF Farmvllle,
and has been elected successfully
through long term Of years, ending
only in her death. IL was here the
larger part of her life was spent and
here she gave her best service 10 her
State and people. Second TO none I'D
her position, She realized, as few do,
the responsibility laid upon her. The
Office of teacher was 10 her sacred
trust. In the language OF dlstin-
guished scholar, to her education meant
"the highest achievements of mind,
body aud soul" aud to this end, she III
culcated by precept aud example those
cardinal virtues, Justice, lruth ana
Honesty, along with the Work OF the
classroom. Ever ready TO commend
the right. she lost no opportunity 10
rebuke the wrong. The sympathetic
hand was freely extended TO the peni-
tent. Her pupils not only respected
her, they loyed her To them, her
wish was their pleasure, their duty TO
perform. With intense interest she
watched with motheriy care the pro-
gress and department Of each stu
dent. Many will recall the al
most maternal pride with which she so
often spoke of my boys, my girls"
for of "A heart whose law was kindness,
She dotted on them; out Of a liberal edu-
cation she gave abundantly, leading
them surely and safely through the IN
tricacies OF the classes to that hlghef
plane Of personal effort ana personal at
tainment. Inaword she wrought wei,
and cher works do follow her." for the
impress of such a life on the hearts and
minds of the youth our land must live
on and on with eyer-incIeaslpg IN
huence, throughout Time and into
Eternity. However numerous and eX-
acting were her duties, thoroughness
marked her course through life. The
faithfulness in detail demanded OF the
taught was given back IN double mea-
sure by the well-furnished, painstaklng
teacher. with her there was no mid
die ground between right and wrong
/ truth and falseh0Od.
Her natural diilidence precluded
intimacy with the many, her real
worth was known only TO few. IN
selfish, ailectiOnate and KIND IN her
nature, she espoused the cause OF
friend at the cost Of personal sacriilce,
for friendship, to her, carried higher,
a boiler and deeper meaning than the
ordinary Interpretation Of the term. 1t
was a something TO be appreciated as
heavenly gift, a sacred attachment that
never wavercd, but strengthened ana
grew as the years passed, a link between
Kindred spirits that binds TO hold and
cheer and comfort, chain unbroken
by mere circumstance or adversely.
With the conviction Of right on her
side. she walked the path that duty
pointed out with steady aud even tread'
High aims and noble purposes anlmat'
ed the course Of her life; imparting
knowledge and speaking words Of love
anu tifWMlhh'nA'h 49, 49,
Her last DAYS, covering months OF
serious illnesss, exempliiied the genuine
worth and completeness Of that lie,
for with heroic courage and submission
she bore the ravages Of disease without
murmur or complaint. Her task was
finished I'm moment, IN the Twink
ling of an eye, she passed over the great
beyond and received. her reward. a
monument is already erected to her
memory. a monument iirmer and more
enduring than granite, higher than the
Hottest marble shaft and Of greater
value than bronze or gold. For the
influence of such life on the hearts
and minds Of scores ofyouths that have
come under her faithful teaching, and
been moulded by her noble character,
will live on till time shall be no more.
A FRIEND.