Vera Mae Smith, 78, Piano and Organ Player

She was born February 12, 1923 in Hawk, Ohio and was raised in Vinton County. She had been a resident of South Amherst for 40 years.

Mrs. Smith worked as a waitress at Tudy's Restaurant in Lorain for ten years. She also waitressed at the Homewood Restaurant and Louie's Restaurant, both of Lorain for a number of years. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Amherst and alos a member of the Great Dane Club of Cleveland for 25 years. She raised many championship Black Great Danes. Mrs. Smith also enjoyed playing the piano and organ.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ralph D. Smith, two grandchildren, several great and great great grandchildren, and by her close friends Joe and Tootie Longo of Cleveland Carolyn Richards of Ravenna and Joe and Gail Mecera of Elyria. She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Mossman in 1994, by her parents, Oscar and Stella (nee Wilcox) Mossman, one brother, George Mossman and by two sisters, Pauline Mossman and Fanney Monroe.

Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2001 and from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2001 at the funeral home with the Rev. Gary Bernath, Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Vermilion.

Memorial Contributions may be forwarded to the Great Dane Club of Cleveland, in care of Mr. Joe Mecera, 11300 LaGrange Road, Elyria, OH 44035.