Zernie Smith entered eternal rest on January 29 at the age of 78 after suffering with long-term heart problems. He was born in Berkeley County in Lebanon, SC, and lived his adult life in North Charleston. Zernie was predeceased by his parents Lillian Adell Cannon and Lawton Henry Smith.
Zernie earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and his master’s from The Citadel. He retired from the Berkeley County School District, where he taught elementary and special needs. He then pursued a career as an artist. Zernie was a talented painter, successful with pastels, watercolors, acrylics, oils, and mixed media. His abstract paintings hang in corporate as well as private collections throughout the country. He was one of Piccolo Spoletto’s founding artists and exhibited his work during their annual outdoor event. Zernie was an award-winning member of numerous art organizations.
He also was a member of Mensa, the international high-IQ society, and a contributor to countless nonprofit organizations. He loved his pets and adopted every cat and dog that showed up on his doorstep.
Those who knew Zernie will miss his gentleness and kindness.
There will be no services aside from a private burial next to his parents in Rudd Ranch Cemetery in Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Pet Helpers in Charleston.