Virginia Lee Smith

Virginia Lee Laughlin Smith, age 83, of Harrah, OK, peacefully went home early Sunday morning, June 8, 2008, in Midwest City Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born January 21, 1925, in Harrah, OK, to Bluford & Catherine Hammer Laughlin. Virginia graduated from Harrah High School in 1942. On October 24, 1943, she married Elmer L. Smith. She graduated from Central State College in 1954, and began her 30 year teaching career by starting the first kindergarten class in Harrah, in January of 1953. She later completed her Master of Education degree with emphasis on Early Childhood in 1974. After her retirement, Virginia was honored by the Harrah school district with the opening of Virginia Smith Elementary School in 1994. Virginia loved teaching and always enjoyed visiting with her former students. After her retirement, she continued to be active at Virginia Smith Elementary. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed many winters spent in South Texas. Virginia was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, United Methodist Women, Rio Grande Clogging Association, Harrah United Methodist Church and a life member of the NEA and OEA. She is survived by her husband, Elmer; two daughters & sons-in-law, Donna & Bob O''Hern of Midwest City, Ginger & Michael Eckart of Kingfisher; four grandchildren, Russell & Kellie O''Hern of Martinez, CA, Nate & Claudia Eckart, Zeke Eckart & Thomas Eckart all of Kingfisher; four great-grandchildren, Erin, Faith, Grace & Haiden; two special nieces, Cathy Rogers & Connie Horton; sister-in-law, Susan Laughlin and numerous other special family and friends. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Raymond and grandson, Darren O''Hern. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Virginia Smith Elementary, C/O Kid''s Project. Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at the Harrah United Methodist Church, Harrah, OK, with Rev. Glenda Skinner-Noble officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.