Virgie Smith
Biography
BIRTHPLACE: Born to Cobon W. and Opal V. Brack April 14, 1942 in Brownsville, Tennessee. I am second of eight siblings who are educated and productive citizens. The Western area of Tennessee was home for many years prior to moving to Topeka, Kansas.
EDUCATION: Elementary school years were at Tibbs Elementary School near the home. Following graduation from 8th grade, the 9th through 12 grades were completed at The Carver High School in Brownsville, Tennessee, spring 1959.
Summer of 1959, my first experience for life was in Nashville, Tennessee, during day work with a Belle Meade family of four. August 1959 enrollment was in Tennessee A&I State University. Received B.S. degree in Sociology, August 1963. I earned MLS from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 1972.
Hired fall 1963 as a substitute for teachers in Lauderdale County, several weeks while waiting for opportunities near home. Shortly thereafter, Librarian position was offered and accepted. Resumed school for Certification as Librarian and was completed.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 1963-1976 served courageously, with determination and dedication to the many tasks and responsibilities during the integration and civil rights phases implemented. Work assignments ranged from grades 1-12 during the thirteen years.
The setting-up and organizing of the collection in a new building for grades 9-12 was a major accomplishment early on. Following this effort was moving of a collection to house grades 8 and 9. Shortly after completion of this move came the unfortunate night an elementary school nearby was burned. The task of pulling together the collection that would accommodate the space was achieved and approved with efficiency and hard work.
1976 – PRESENT: WASHBURN UNIVERSITY OF TOPEKA, KANSAS SCHOOL OF LAW LIBRARY.
1976 - 1985: CATALOGER
1986 - Date: REFERENCE AND COLLECTION MAINTENANCE LIBRARIAN.
LIFE STYLE AND ACTIVITIES:
Married, 2 sons, several step-children.
Member of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Topeka, KS.
Active with many church related endeavors and outreach services in community, nursing homes, and KAW Valley District and State.
Sunday School Teacher, Adult Choir Member and Director, Topeka City Mission Union Honoree, past KVD Project 66 Chairman, Virgie A. Smith Music Scholarship founder. Church Clerk and Deaconess, Corresponding Secretary of Topeka City Mission Union; Publicity Chairman for the Topeka Churches Singing Convention.
