Vertress Bynum Stewart Smith (better known as “Maw”) was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Maw passed away peacefully on March 5, 2022 surrounded by her family, at the age of 92.

Vertress was born on October 10, 1929 to Ottis L. and Beedie Bush Bynum. Maw grew up near Magee MS and married Grady Stewart where they continued to live as they raised their son, Harrell. Vertress and Grady were members of Eastside Baptist Church where they served for many years. In 1984, after 35 years of marriage, Vertress lost Grady to cancer.

In 1989 Maw married Sam C. Smith (better known as “Paw”) and moved to Brookhaven, MS where she joined Macedonia Baptist Church. Maw lived the rest of her life in Brookhaven and her friends and family from Magee never really forgave Paw for taking Maw from them.

Maw loved spending time in the kitchen cooking delicious meals for her family and friends. Maw also stayed busy helping Paw in the garden and watching Paw in his woodworking shop (Maw sometimes worried about Paw around so many power tools). Maw and Paw enjoyed sharing the proceeds of their kitchen and garden when visiting those less fortunate in their community. Maw’s faith was lived out in her daily life, and she was loved and appreciated by all those that knew her.

Vertress is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sister Patricia Purser; stepson Paul K. Smith, and great-grandson Camden Sheldon. She is survived by her brothers Wesley “Buddy”, Sie, Ottis Jr., and Jerry (Patsy) Bynum; her sisters Louise Gregory (Earl), and Carolyn Box; her son Harrell Stewart (Linda); her stepson Jeffrey Smith (Lupita); her 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Brookhaven Funeral Homes on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM and also from 9:00 – 10:00 AM on the following Friday, March 11. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Brookhaven Funeral Home with a graveside service to be held at Magee Cemetery at 12:30 PM that same day.