Emma Ree Smith Benard, a former resident of Vicksburg, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2016, in Chicago. She was 85.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Smith Sr. and Ruth Ann Kirkland Smith; husband, Roosevelt “Buddy” Benard; four sisters, Bonnie Haymond, Anna Maude Jones, Mary Ruth Wilmore and Alice Mae Hill; and six brothers, Mark Smith, Nathan Smith Sr., Francis Smith, Rufus “Duff” Smith, Willie Harold Smith and Frank Smith Jr.

Survivors include two sons, John Michael Benard and Ronnie Benard, both of Chicago; a daughter, Ethel “Mae-Mae” Barnes of Chicago; sister, Barbara J. Pierce of Vicksburg; two brothers, Harvey L. Smith of Dallas and Dan E. Smith of Philadelphia, Pa.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

Services are 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service.

Condolences may be sent to Saint Michael M. B. Church 4106 West Monroe, Chicago, IL 60624.

Smith-Thomas Funeral Home of Chicago has charge of arrangements.