LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Violet Louise Smoley passed away in her sleep the evening of August 19, 2021 at home. She was 91.

Born in Arkansas in 1929, her family moved to California in 1940.

Married to John Smoley in 1948, they had a son, John, in 1956, a daughter, Lisa, in 1959 (died two days after birth), and a son, Philip, in 1961.

In 1995 her husband of 46 years died and she never remarried. She was the last remaining of her five siblings.

Vi's primary role was wife and mother, though she held a variety of jobs now and then. She was a devoted Christian, and lived her life as such.

In her last years she suffered from dementia. But she never lost her humor and wit, she could see humor in almost everything; smiling to the end. She loved singing her favorite songs, lyrics of which she always could remember.

She was a classy lady that never lost her sense of Southern hospitality, charm, and had a high level of compassion and empathy. She was a woman of high character, integrity, honesty, and expected the same in others, and she inspired others to be better people. Wherever she went, people liked or loved her; she made people happier.

Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. Lakeport.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit wwwchapelofthelakes.com.