Vernese Smith
Province II – Diocese of Long Island
Vernese became a member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Long Island in 1997. She served the church in many key positions. Her former priest had this to say about her, “her service was accomplished with distinction.” For this she received the Bishop’s Cross. Vernese often reminds other sometimes discouraged ECW members that “when we do God’s work, we do it willingly.”
Vernese’s invitation to one 18-year-old member of the parish to attend an ECW meeting resulted in gaining 10 other new members from this group – an opportunity for these young people to see ECW at work.
She continues the work of building God’s kingdom without giving it a second thought. Because of her service to ECW and the church near and far, we are pleased to honor Vernese Smith as the Distinguished Woman from the Diocese of Long Island.