It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of former UCMS missionary to China and the Philippines, Rev. Winnifred Smith.

Winnifred and her husband, Rev. Dr. Joseph Smith, served in China from 1940 for four months, and due to the aggressive conflict between China and Japan, they were transferred to the Philippines.  They were imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp when the Philippines fell to Japan and were held there until 1945.  After recuperation and more study, the Smiths returned to China in 1947 to do evangelism; however a year later the civil war between Nationalist and Communist Chinese forced their return to the United States.

Winnifred Watson Smith was born at Lexington, Kentucky, October 14, 1911.  She received her B.A. degree from Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, Virginia, and her M.A. degree from Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.  In addition to her service as a missionary, Winnifred served on the Board of Trustees and Board of Managers of the United Christian Missionary Society and on the Board of Directors of the International Convention of Christian Churches.  She was also chair of the Advisory Committee of the International Convention's Office of Communication and was a member of the Coordinating Committee on Moral Civil Rights.

Winnifred is survived by her husband and three children, Frederick, Douglas and Barbara.  Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. at Blacksburg Christian Church, 240 Watson Avenue, Blacksburg, Virginia.  Messages of condolence may be sent to the family in care of:  Dr. Joseph Smith, 1060 Showalter Drive, Apt. 212, Blacksburg, VA, 24060-6238.