Cora Smith was raised in rural Greene County, VA along with her 2 sisters and brother on a farm. She attended William Monroe High School and after graduating went on to further her education at Madison College (JMU) where she earned a degree in Education.
While in college Cora’s cousin introduced her to her future husband, Edwin while playing cards after a cancelled football game. The couple was together four years before being married. Edwin worked as a sign-painter and served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts for over 60 years, meanwhile Cora taught 1st grade for 40 years, earning the title, “Teacher of the Year” for Paige County in 1987. Cora spent 30 consecutive years in the same classroom at Springfield Elementary and loved every student.
Though Cora and Edwin never had children of their own they felt like they were able to touch the lives of many more children through their work. In addition to teaching 1st grade, Cora also taught Sunday school at Luray United Methodist Church for over 30 years. While not dedicating her time to children Cora could be found reading a novel or the Bible. In all the years of her life she’s most proud of having a happy, successful marriage and all the school children she taught over the years. “You know marriage isn’t always easy.” ~ Cora Smith