Marisue Skeen Smith

Marisue Skeen Smith of Palmyra, VA, died peacefully in her sleep on April 28th, 2026. Known for her kind, calm, and caring personality, Marisue enjoyed a long life filled with family and friends.

Marisue Skeen was born on August 15th, 1933 in Clintwood, VA to Pauline and James Skeen. Pauline was an accomplished pianist and vocalist and introduced Marisue to music at an early age.  This developed into a lifelong passion for her. 

Marisue lived her entire childhood in Clintwood until attending Emory & Henry College.  She majored in English at Emory & Henry and graduated with honors in 1956.  Like many others in her family, Marisue then began a career in education.

Marisue’s first teaching assignment was at Garfield High School in Prince William County, VA.  She taught English and coached the Debate Team.  Another job responsibility for Marisue was maintaining her class records.  With only limited training for this part of the job, she struggled.  Fortunately, “there was a really nice, young man teaching in the classroom across from mine who helped me.  And he was really good looking!”  And so, it began!

Marisue had her first date with this “really nice, young man” named Ken Smith on February 14th, 1959.  Apparently both knew this was the real thing because Marisue and Ken were married on August 12th, 1959.  It was a union that would last more than 66 years!

Marisue and Ken returned to Clintwood in 1961.  A few years after the birth of their second child, Marisue returned to teaching at Clintwood Elementary until retiring in 1991. Motherhood influenced Marisue to work with young children and shape their desire to learn. She was happiest as a Kindergarten teacher.

During the 40 years that Marisue and Ken lived in Clintwood, both were very active in the local United Methodist Church and other community work. It was through the church that Marisue found an outlet for her musical passion by playing the organ at church services as well as directing the church choir.

In 2001, Marisue and Ken moved to Lake Monticello, VA, so to be closer to family.  And like before, they were active in the local United Methodist Church.  Marisue continued to engage in music centric activities.  She sang in the church choir for over 20 years in addition to several years performing in local community choral groups.  Performing with these groups brought Marisue great happiness and many new friends! She volunteered with local community activities and the Charlottesville Kiwanis Club.

Marisue and Ken travelled extensively during their retirement.  Travels took them to Europe, Canada, and everywhere in the US.  It was a time both treasured.

But Marisue and Ken’s most treasured times were spent with family.  From holiday gatherings to rambunctious family trips to Colorado.  On one CO trip, Marisue even herded cattle from horseback.  Made quite the impression on her grandchildren!

Marisue Skeen Smith is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ken; her children, Kenneth (Mary) Smith of Tucson, AZ and Susan (Robin) Jervis of Richmond, VA; granddaughter Katie (Stephen) Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; granddaughter Juliana (John) Scobey of Litchfield Park, AZ; granddaughter Sammi (Jack) Martus of Okinawa, Japan; grandson Sam (Leah) Jervis of Cincinnati, OH; great grandson Andrew Martus of Okinawa, Japan.

Marisue always made her home a place of peace and calm.  A refuge from the harsher outside world.  She “adopted” her children’s friends from Clintwood and their college friends. She did this with smiles, hugs, kind words, and buckets of love.  We will always miss her.

There will be a memorial service on Friday, May 15th at 11:00 at Palmyra United Methodist Church, 258 Palmyra, VA 22963. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 in the sanctuary.

Charitable donations in memory of Marisue can be made to:

 Fluvanna County Meals on Wheels

https://www.mealsonwheelsfluvanna.org

Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville Foundation

Checks can be made payable to Kiwanis Club of Charlottesville Foundation

P.O. Box 6698

Charlottesville, VA 22906-6698

Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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