Selma Doretha Smith Battle

February 3, 1919 - June 26, 2016

Celebration of 97 Years of Life Selma Doretha Smith Battle was born on February 3, 1919 to the late Edward and Ethel Vaughn Smith in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. She was the fifth of seven daughters born to this union. At an early age Selma gave her life to Christ and became a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC under the leadership of Rev T.H. Rand. She was an active member of the usher board and choir. She remained active in her church until her health began to fail. After relocating to Texas, she would return to worship once a year. She dearly loved her pastor, Reverend Arthur Vincent. Selma enjoyed singing and she became a member of the Community Jewels. She spent her early life working with her father and sisters on their farm in Edgecombe County. When she moved to Rocky Mount, she was employed at both Memorial Hospital and Nash General. She had love of taking care of children and did so passionately—three of her children Krystal and Chad Brown and Ambria Cotton she adopted as her grandchildren. Selma became the caregiver for family members. Caring for others was her “gift”. Selma departed this life to take her place in the arms of her Lord on Sunday, June 26, 2016 at 12:51 a.m. at Baylor, Scott, White hospital in Plano, TX . After 97 years, her earthly work was done. She is preceded in death by her parents, six sisters Elnora, Mabel, Maggie, Eva, Ardelia, and Rosa Lee, and by her son Robert Leon Battle. She leaves to celebrate her life, a daughter, Geraldine Battle Edwards of Plano, TX , her grandchildren Rodney Hester (Geri) of Clarksville TN, Rodney C. Battle of Rocky Mount, NC, Rashida L. McKnight (Christopher), Dallas, TX, and Anitra V. Johnson of Plano, TX; three great-grandchildren, Ellis Hicks of Cleveland, OH, Morgan Johnson of Plano, TX and London McKnight of Dallas, TX, 3 nieces, 3 nephews and a host of relatives and friends.