James L. Smith

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. James L. Smith.  

Mr. Smith passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023 at his home. 

The family will receive friends at: 3305 E. Old Camden Road, Hartsville, SC. 

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from where cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Mr. James Leverne Smith, Sr. was born on March 15^th, 1952, in Darlington County. He was the son of the late Lois V McFarland Smith and Robert Lee Smith & Tommie Lee Smith. He was educated in Darlington County public schools and graduated from Rosenwald High School, Class of 1970. Vern was employed with CP&L for many years until he retired in 2010.

When Vern wasn’t working, he enjoyed coaching softball for the Slater Braves and Brady Bunch. He also loved to fish and watched his Westerns.

Vern was preceded in death by: his parents, Lois V. McFarland Smith; Robert Lee and Tommie Lee Smith; two sisters, Louella Price and Geraldine Byrd; and two brothers, Leroy Smith and Evander Smith.

Those left to cherish his memories are: his wife, Rose Benjamin Smith of Darlington, SC; a longtime special friend, Emma Benjamin of the home; one daughter, Amy Evette Smith of Darlington, SC; one son, James Levern Smith, Jr. of Society Hill, SC; three stepsons: Barrette (Sharon) Benjamin of Darlington, SC , Willie Earl Benjamin of the home,  and Monroe (Robia) Benjamin of Florence, SC; one stepdaughter, Wendy (Kimithi) Davis of Raleigh, NC; eight sisters: Debra (James) Dumas of Columbia, SC, Teresa Jackson of Ansonia, CT, Vanessa Smith and Gloria (Sylvester) King of Darlington, SC, Juanita Bishop and Glarita Smith of Society Hill, SC and Veronica (Wesley) Dubose and Christine (Michael) Williams of Hartsville, SC; two brothers: Larry (Alfreda) Smith of Sierra Vista, AR and Tommie Lee (Hannah) Smith, Jr. of Society Hill, SC; one special aunt, Geraldine (Richard) Sanders of New Haven, CT; five brother-in-laws: Willie Benjamin, John Earl Benjamin, Jimmy Benajmin, Curtis Benjamin and Creighton Benjamin, all of Darlington, SC; one sister-in-law, Hattie Mae Sellers of Darlington, SC; 27 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other close relatives and friends.