Berneta Smith

“In Loving Memory of Berneta Walker Smith”

On the glorious sunrise of October 13, 1940, Berneta Walker Smith (affectionally known as Boo) was born. Berneta left this life at sunset on November 15, 2024, with her grandson (Grady) at her side at Penn State Medical Center. Her family is deeply saddened by her passing.

Berneta is survived by her daughter Kiffinee Smith of Winston-Salem NC, sister Flora M. Reeves of Harrisburg, PA, grandson Grady R. Smith of Harrisburg, PA, granddaughter Gabrielle R. Smith of Winston Salem. NC, grandson Kyle Jones (Nicole) of Harrisburg PA, and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Berneta was predeceased by her daughter Karen L. Jones, grandson Kameron D. Jones, and parents James and Arneta Walker.

Berneta was baptized at First Zion Baptist Church at an early age. She sang and played the piano for the church choir and had a passion for music. She also helped the late Arneta Walker, with various events that were conducted by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Berneta was born in Harrisburg, PA. She graduated from Susquehanna Township High School. Immediately after high school she started working for the Federal Government at Olmstead Air Force Base in Middletown, PA. She then graduated from Central Penn Business school and received a degree in Business Administration. She later moved to Washington DC to continue her career by working for Andrews Air Force Base (AAFB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). She married the late Leroy Grady Smith on February 18, 1961. From their union came daughters: Kiffinee Smith and the late Karen L. Jones.

Furthering her need to provide for her family and passion for advancement, she worked for the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington DC. Berneta moved back to Harrisburg and attended Harrisburg Area Community College. She then worked with the PA State Department of Agriculture.

By this time, all of her grandchildren were born who she adored and loved spending time with and instilling the gift of music in each one; Grady with the Piano and Saxophone, Gabby with the Clarinet, and Kyle with the Drums.

Berneta’s final and most enjoyable career was working for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for 7 years. She was afforded the opportunity to travel to various parts of the United States. Her most enjoyable assignment was working to aid with relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina.

The totality of her work experience gave her the ability to finally retire from the Federal Government with 25 years of service and from the Pennsylvania State Government with 15 years of service.

During her retired years, Berneta enjoyed shopping, traveling, going to the pool, “playing her numbers” and watching the “Price is Right.” She believed one day she could be a contestant on the show and win Plinko, “I just would have to make it up all of those steps to the top first.”

 Berneta was a kind, caring, and giving person who always put the needs of others before her own. She was a source of inspiration to us all and will be remembered for all the love she shared with friends and family. She truly loved each of them. She will be missed dearly.

“Some glad morning when this life is over, I'll fly away”

Services will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at First Zion Baptist Church, 1500 Edgemont Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109, at 11:00am, with the viewing beginning at 10:00am. Burial to immediately the service at the William Howard Day Cemetery.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers – The Family

Please keep the Smith Family in your thoughts and prayers.