MS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SENIOR AMERICA 2016, BILLIE LaVERNE SMITH

CONGRATULATIONS to BILLIE LaVERNE SMITH, Ms District of Columbia Senior America 2016 and the wonderful Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant team for a wonderful Queen!

Billie LaVerne Smith was born in Chicago, IL and grew up in Lynchburg, VA. She came to Washington, DC to attend Howard University, majoring in Psychology. Billie fell in love with Washington and never left. She continued her graduate studies at Howard in Developmental Psychology, and obtained a Master of Arts Degree from George Washington University in Human Resources Management.

Billie started her work career in private industry, but subsequently worked for the Federal Government in the Public Health Service. She later worked for the District of Columbia Government, and recently retired as Talent Acquisition Branch Manager in the Human Resources Division of the District of Columbia Courts.

While in graduate school, Billie began directing the Youth Choir at Trinity AME Zion Church. After twenty years, she began directing the Chancel Choir, a position she still holds. She is also the accompanist for the children’s choir. Her other church work includes membership in the Contract Ministry, Stewardess Board, Lay Council, Missionary Society, Dance Ministry, and Travel Crew.

Billie is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and has served as chairperson of the Ritual and Ceremonies and the Arts and Letters Committees, as well as Sergeant-at-Arms. She is currently Keeper of the Properties. She has also been director and co-director of her Chapter Choir. Billie sings with the Heritage Signature Chorale. She is also a member of the D.C. Chapter of the NAACP, the Women’s Committee of the Washington Performing Arts, and the Board of Professional Responsibility for the District of Columbia Bar.

Hobbies that Billie loves include music, travel, entertaining, gardening, crocheting, and cooking. She also volunteers for programs of several non-profit organizations.