Anna Gale Roberts Smithson

She was born Nov. 22, 1930, in Bluefield, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Larry Keith Roberts and Lola Hoy Roberts.

Her family moved to Charleston when she was just a few months old, where she spent her childhood and graduated from Charleston High School before attending Charleston School of Commerce.

Anna Gale worked at Stone ‘n Thomas in Charleston, West Virginia, before marrying the love of her life, V.L. “Sonny” Smithson Jr., on March 11, 1951, at Baptist Temple in Charleston. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service to others.

Anna Gale moved to Richwood, West Virginia, with her husband, where she served as a Cub Scout leader and Sunday School teacher at Richwood Baptist Church. Later, she and Sonny relocated to Philippi, where she continued sharing her faith as a youth leader and Sunday School teacher at Philippi Baptist Church. Before moving to Belington to open the Leader Department Store and the Belington Skating Rink, the couple lived in Parsons, West Virginia, where they also opened a department store.

She was a member of Belington No. 68 Order of the Eastern Star and First Baptist Church of Belington, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and was loved by her church family.

Anna Gale was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew her. She treasured time with her family and found great joy in watching her family grow through the generations.

Surviving is one son, Robert D. Smithson of Belington; three daughters, Shirley Lee Smithson Maruca of The Villages, Florida, Linda Sue Smithson White of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Nancy Ann Smithson Garcia of Homestead, Florida; one brother, John Keith Roberts of Charleston, West Virginia; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, V.L. “Sonny” Smithson Jr.; one daughter, Carol Lynn Smithson Sinsel; one infant daughter, Judy Ann Smithson; two sisters, Uldine Roberts and Doris Lilly; and two brothers, James William Roberts and Stanley Roberts.

Anna Gale will be remembered for her warm heart, unwavering faith, strength, humor, and the love she poured into her family and community throughout her life. Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched and, in the family, she cherished so deeply.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 11a.m., Saturday June 27, 2026, at the Talbott Funeral Home, 56 N. Brandenburg Street in Belington, WV 26250.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. prior to the service.

Honoring Mrs. Smithson’s wishes, her remains will be cremated.

A private family graveside service will be held immediately following her services.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Fraternal Cemetery P.O. Box 69 Belington, WV 26250.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.talbottfuneralhome.com.

The Talbott Funeral Home in Belington is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Anna Gale Roberts Smithson.