Claradell Smith

Claradell Smith, 88, died November 22, 2011 at Worthington Manor. She was born March 4, 1923 in Wood County, W.Va., the daughter of James E. and Mae Vickers Taylor. She graduated from Parkersburg High School and attended night classes at Mountain State, West Virginia Community and Marietta Colleges. She was employed for 11 years in the offices of the American Viscose Corp. In 1952 she accepted a two year assignment with the U.S. Operations Mission to Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam. Stationed in Saigon with the Education Department, she assisted with establishing the U.S. Based Training Programs for local educators. Upon completion of her two year assignment she was asked to join a group of eight prominent educators making an Economic Survey of the Chinese Government of Formosa. She preceded their arrival from their universities, set up the offices and acted as Senior Secretary. Returning to the States in 1954, she was assigned to the Washington Far East Division of USOM. One of her duties was to conduct orientation classes for all secretarial personnel before their overseas departure. She returned to Parkersburg where she worked for Corning Glass Works in the Personnel Office until her retirement in 1984. She was recognized corporate-wide for her employee related contributions.She was a 71 year member of the 7th St. United Methodist Church in Parkersburg, was active in the United Methodist Women and served for 30 years as secretary of the Official Board.Claradell was preceded in death in Oct. 1992 by her husband, James B. Smith Sr.; her parents; four brothers, James R., Robert E., W. Edwin, and Richard; and step-grandson, Brian.She is survived by stepson, James B. Smith Jr. and his wife, Mary Ann; step-grandsons, Barry and Brett Smith; several nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, John Chalfant who was responsible for much happiness in her lifetime. Claradell's family appreciates and wishes to thank Kami Davis for all of the care and devotion she provided. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green St. Parkersburg, W.Va. with Rev. Norman Butler officiating. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.