E. “Darla” Jo (Pry) Smith, 72, of Evansville, passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2019. She was born on May 22, 1946 in Johnson City, IL to the late Vernelle (Berry) and Joseph Pry. Darla was a graduate of North High School and served in ministry for many years.
She has owned and operated a bakery since 1979. Darla was both the matriarch of her family, and North Main Street. Darla was a warm, friendly person that never knew a stranger.
Her genuine smile and gentle laughter put everyone at ease. Her first love was Christ and this was always the beginning of her conversations. Her second was quickly to turn to her children and her grandchildren.
She never failed to mention that her children and grandchildren were always in her thoughts, and that her business venture with cakes had them in mind. She used her love of baking as her career and her ministry, both to warm the soul and provide delightful cakes as well. She had her own style and was creatively original.
Darla was truly the “Mother Theresa” of her family. Darla originated the “10 Commandments” billboard and hosted her own Christian radio show. She was on the board of Restoring Our Heritage, the President of the North Side Business Association, the assistant Pastor at the River of Evansville, and on the advisory board for the Mayor.
She supported: SWIRCA, The Dream Center, Right to Life, The Bill of Rights, YWCA, The Jacobsville Revitalization, and so much more. Darla is survived by her husband of 28 years, James Smith; children, Tanea Leilani Banken-Glass (Bill), Joseph J. Gilmore, Sr., Jason Aaron Daily (Cindy), Richard Howard Smith, Stephanie Rose Mitchell, Daniel Lawrence Smith, James Allen Smith, Jr., Ashleea Mc Intire, Dawn Junkin, Teresa Lamar, Valerie Daily, and Mauro J. Smith; 40 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; brothers, Eric and David Pry; sisters, Cora Aleta Ritchie and Dawnelle Neighbors; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Darla was preceded in death by her sister, Marie Lou Ann Stucke.
Visitation will be from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Ziemer Funeral Home Central Chapel, 626 N. First Avenue, Evansville. Visitation will continue from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm Monday, February 18, 2019 at Bible Center Cathedral, 5000 N. First Avenue, Evansville. A funeral service will begin at 5:30 pm at Bible Center Cathedral with Pastor David Pry officiating.
Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 am Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Memorial contributions may be made to Right to Life, 20 NW Fourth Street, Suite 308, Evansville, IN 47708. Condolences may be made online at www.
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