Graveside Service celebrating the life of Ms. Ursula Y’vonne Smith, 67 of Huntsville, Alabama will be 11:00 am Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Moulton Memory Gardens with the Reverend Theromiles Flowers officiating. Public viewing will be Friday from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Reynolds Funeral Home.
Ursula Y’vonne Smith was born on July 21st, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan. At the time of her death, she was a resident of Huntsville, Alabama. On Wednesday, February 24th, 2021, at 6:39pm, Ursula departed this world at Huntsville Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Ursula was the child of the late Prince Harweda and Sarah Pearl McKelvy Smith of Moulton, Alabama. She was the mother of a beautiful daughter, Urisa Rêvé Smith, who lives in Arlington, Virginia and who she loved and cherished.
She accepted Christ at an early age. While growing up in Moulton, she was a member of Smith Chapel CME Church. She remained active until departing for Alabama A&M University in the fall of 1971, where she majored in Special Education. Upon moving to Huntsville, she became an active member of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
Upon graduation from college, she returned to Lawrence County to teach for the next five years. Upon leaving Lawrence County, she became employed at Huntsville High School in Huntsville, AL. For more than forty years, she dedicated her career to the needs of children with special needs. One of her greatest accomplishments was being named “Teacher of the Year” by the Huntsville Council of PTAs & nominated for “State Teacher of the Year.” She has also worked as an Administrator, Assistant Administrator, Behavior Specialist, and Program Coordinator. She taught graduates and undergraduates at Alabama A&M University. Ursula was a dedicated leader who empowered and developed others. Throughout her career, she always had a servant’s heart in the educational field.
As a Christian, Ursula was a member of the choir, adult Sunday school teacher, President of the Women’s Ministries, Usher, tutor, and culinary assistant. She continued volunteering at Alabama A&M to be at the forefront of social action and education. Ursula remained active in her community throughout her adult life. She was proud to work in the Democratic Party assisting with voter registration.
Growing up, she was known in the community as “Little Mama.” While in college, she was affectionately called “Sunshine” and “Little Red.” She had a smile that would light up the room. Ursula had a deep love and warm memories of District 4, cherishing the warm and loving families, childhood friends, and the love and support of a special community. Ursula had a genuine love for her family and friends.
She precedes in death her amazing and beloved daughter Urisa Rêvé Smith, siblings Prince H. Smith Jr. (Judy), Gregory B. Smith (Mildred), James F. Smith, Kent R. Smith (Kema), Launceford L. Smith (Ann), Domis C. Smith (Princess), Annetta V. Brackins (George), Wanda A. Smith and Critis Fletcher, as well as Aunt Naomi (Thomas) Davis and Uncle Travis (Ann) Smith. She also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends she loved dearly.
