Wilber Pearl Smith Waid, 100, formerly of 10 Selma Avenue, died on May 24, 2017 at Roman Eagle Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, after a decline in health for the past six years. Wilber was born at Glade Hill, Va. on June 19, 1916, a daughter of the late Stephen Lewis and Julia Parker Johnson Smith. She was the last surviving member of her generation.

The name "Wilber" created many interesting moments during her life. Before she was born, neighbors lost a son in WWI named "Wilbur". His mother asked Julia to give her son's name to their first Smith child. So the baby girl was given the female spelling with an "e". Throughout life her name was spelled wrong, or she was addressed as a Mr. when her name was called by persons unfamiliar with her gender. On one occasion upon release from ICU in a hospital, she was taken to a room where the first occupant was a male. The nurse skidded to a halt saying, "This won't work!", as family laughed. She often wondered, if anyone would ever correctly spell her name. Well, Mother, in announcing your departure to your eternal home, the name is spelled correctly.

She married the love of her life, Archer Dudley Waid, on September 26, 1934, who died on August 2, 2002.  They moved from Glade Hill to Bassett, Va. in 1936 and then to Danville in 1942 where she worked for Dan River Mills in the Weave Room for sixteen years. In 1961 they moved to Charlotte, NC and after Archer's retirement in 1983, moved to Zephyr Hills, FL to live closer to their son. Summers were enjoyed in the mountains of NC and winters in FL. Due to health, they were moved back to Danville in 2001 to spend their final years.

Wilber was a charter member of Schoolfield Pentecostal Holiness Church and Sunday was her favorite day of the week. Enjoying crafts and crocheting, she could also whiz through word puzzle books. The Bible, however, was her favorite book and smiles and kisses were her specialty.

Wilber leaves behind, daughter, Julia "Judy" W. Edmonds of Danville, VA; grandchildren, Dana E Reagan (Barry) of Roanoke, VA., Derek Edmonds (Lori) of Danville, VA., Tammi Waid of Hernando, FL, Cory Waid of Los Angeles, CA.; great grandchildren, Kelsie and Parker Edmonds of Danville, VA.; daughter-in-law, Hilda Waid of Tampa. FL.; sisters-in-law, Sallie W. Thompson of Bedford, VA, Maxine W. Cheek of Lynchburg, VA., and Louise W. Waid of Snow Creek, NC; a dear friend "Florida daughter", Shirley Goble, Zephyr Hills, FL.: Nephews, Fred, Steve, and Frank Smith of FL.; Niece, Burnice S. Harms of FL.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Zeb Lewis Waid; a brother, Zeb Wright Smith (Nannie); a grandson, Kevin Waid Edmonds; son-in-law, Kenneth W. Edmonds.

A grave side service will be conducted at Highland Burial Park on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at Highland Burial Park with the Reverend David Turbyfill officiating. The family will receive friends at 10 Selma Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial donations may consider God's Pit Crew, 2499 North Main Street, Danville, VA 24540; Schoolfield Preservation Foundation, 917 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541 or Schoolfield Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1380 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541.

The family is grateful to Roman Eagle "Garden Terrace" and all other staff who had a part in the professional care of Wilber since October of 2015. Your "I love you's" and hugs will always be remembered as you gave a gift of comfort in the final months of her life. Appreciated also are the many kindnesses extended from Schoolfield Pentecostal Holiness and Schoolfield Baptist Churches.

Swicegood Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Waid family.

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