Miss Vada Smart, Campus School teacher

I opened the newspaper today to learn of the death of Vada Smart, retired member of the Campus School faculty--taught all of my children and taught them well as did all the other members of the faculty and Mr. Ed Gilbert, principal.   Each of the teachers was unique--there would never be anyone like Imogene Webb in art!   How lucky we were to be connected with the University and be able to enrol our kids with other faculty kids in Campus school.   PTA was not a choice for parents; it was a command decision!

If any teacher thought that she needed to speak to me about a problem, it was done and I was told how to resolve that problem in the proper way.   Since Vada went to the same church I did, there was some leeway but I have heard her correct the children, including mine, in the church.  And they needed it, I am sure.

So Vada and Millie Ragsdale and Imogene and Ms. Adams and Ms. Sheets and all the rest, you gave your life to your profession.  Aren't we the lucky ones!

Vada Smart

Thursday, September 25, 2014

seMissourian.com

Vada Smart, 100, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at Chateau Girardeau.
She was born Oct. 7, 1913, in Piggott, Arkansas, to William Holens and Edith Eron Hickman Smart.
Vada received a bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master's degree from Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a dedicated educator nine years in Campbell, Missouri, eight years in Kennett, Missouri, 25 years at the former Campus School, and retired as professor emerita from Southeast in 1979.
She was a member of First Baptist Church, the Missouri State Teachers Association, Retired Teachers Association, Omega Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and PEO Sisterhood.
Survivors include a brother, Glen (Patricia) Smart of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Freeda Ricks of O'Fallon, Missouri; nephews, Michael (Emily) Smart of Cape Girardeau and Phillip Smart of Maryland; and two great-nieces, Megan and Allison.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Doyle Smart.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Campbell.
Memorial contributions can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.