Velia J. Smith, 94, formerly of Silver City passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 after medicalcomplications due to dementia. She died at her daughter's residence.Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at nine o'clock in the morning at St. Francis Newman Center. The Prayer Vigil and Rosary will follow at ten o'clock and the Funeral Liturgy at ten-thirty in the morning. Officiating will be Father Jaroslaw Jowacki. Velia was born on January 4, 1923 to Miguel P. Jaquez and Romalda Saucedo Jaquez in Miami, Arizona.She was a member of the St. Francis Newman Center and an active participant at church and prayer groups. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren and many friends. Velia especially loved that in her 90's she was still independent and strong. She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren as a hard worker, honest and firm, but loving and including our spouses. Velia loved to encourage her children and grandchildren to do well in school to go as far as could, because she loved school and was not able to complete her education.Velia is survived by her daughter Belinda Acosta (Henry Castillo); son, George Acosta (Cecilia); sister, Avilia Montes; sister-in-law, Otilia Jaquez; grandchildren; Joe Acosta, Kenny Padilla, Keith Rojas, Kristina Buffalo and their families; Gerardo M. Rojas, Mona Crum, Lorenzo Rivera, Jeremy Rivera and their families. She is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Tina Chavez and Joe Maldonado. Velia had a special fondness for her granddaughter, Mona Crum and granddaughter-in law, Cynthia Acosta. She was grateful for their assistance and sometimes providing meals when she was in Silver City.Velia was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gilbert and Raul Jaquez; husband(s), Joe M. Acosta, the father of her children and Lloyd Smith; an infant son, Fred Acosta; daughter, Corinne Rivera; grandson, Fredrick George Acosta.Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels.Exclusive provider for "Veterans &Family Memorial Care". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com.Hwy 180 East on Delk Dr., Silver City, NM 88062 – 575-388-2334