Inez Schunemann Smith

Inez Schunemann Smith, born December 31, 1923, had an insatiable curiosity her entire 100 years of life. She was a lifelong learner and always an avid reader since childhood. Her parents, Nona Calhoun (Mensing) Schunemann and Henry Dietrich Schunemann, had no problem with their academically bright and enthusiastic child in Savannah’s public schools. Inez received honors at Savannah High School and stayed in the “Good Citizen Midget” group of star students.

Inez had an early marriage to Charles A. Litchfield Jr., a career Marine, and had three children as they moved from one military base to another; Parris Island, Camp LeJeune, Cherry Point and finally Quantico, Va. After her husband retired Inez worked for William Wayside Furniture Store in Triangle, Va. and later in their store in Woodbridge. After a divorce, Inez married Charles M. Smith in 1972 and had a wonderful marriage for a short while before his unfortunate death. They shared much in common and loved to cook, read and travel together. Upon Charlie’s death she went back to work in the furniture store business in Lake Ridge and Manassas as an office manager and salesperson.

Always active in the community Inez was a long term member of Dumfries United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women Organization where she served as president several times. She loved to bake for church events, as well as for the family. Her cooking was always homemade and loved by all. As a business woman Inez was also a long term member and president of Prince William Soroptimist. She enjoyed participating in flower shows at the Trowel Garden Club as well as travelling with them to Europe. At times she tutored both elementary and high school students and taught reading to an adult nonreader in the library every week. She volunteered to help feed the elderly in a nursing home, too.

She worked diligently to guide her children towards higher education and successful lives and careers. Her eldest son, David Litchfield, was a colonel in the Marine Corps, her second son, Charles Litchfield III (Buddy) a university librarian (deceased) and her youngest child, Miriam Litchfield, a national and international teacher. She also had four wonderful adult step children whom she loved very much, and they were very close to her; Carolyn Dockery, Charles (Chuck) Smith (deceased), Michael Smith (deceased) and Thomas Smith. Inez has four wonderful grandsons, and three lovely great grandchildren. She also has a fine 98 year old brother, Albert Schunemann, who is still living in Savannah.

People who met Inez always liked her smile and easy disposition. She was positive and cheerful which drew easy friends all her life. She was popular with her club members, church congregants, store customers, as well as all her family members. Upon moving back to her birthplace, Savannah, in her early nineties, after having lived in Virginia most of her life, she often received mail from friends “back home” who never forgot her. She cherished these friends and talked of them often. Inez will long live in the hearts and minds of those she touched throughout her lifetime, and there were many.