Priscilla Staten Smith

Priscilla Staten Smith was born in Milan and raised in Huntingdon.

She’s the daughter of Jim Staten, a construction worker who worked across the country on U.S. highways, and Susie Staten Marshal, who sold insurance and also worked at the office of Dr. Gideon in Huntingdon.

Priscilla attended school in Clarksburg and then at Hale Junior High in Huntingdon. She spent her final three years at Webb High School, where she graduated in 1966 at age 16 as part of the final graduating class.

While at Webb, she played basketball and was a temporary hall monitor. Her teachers were Robert Simmons and Doris Woodard. Priscilla was part of Woodard’s business department.

Priscilla attended Tennessee State University and graduated with an associate’s degree in Business Education.

She worked for the State of Tennessee for 20 years before moving to St. Louis, where she worked at the Missouri Botanical Garden for 14 years until her retirement six years ago.

At the garden, she was an interpreter in the historic home of founder Henry Shaw and managed the volunteer tour guides.

She’s an active member of New Sunny Mount Baptist Church, serving as secretary, Sunday school superintendent and a member of the choir.

Priscilla is also a member of the Webb Alumni Association. Since last year, she has served as the national secretary for the organization and is a past parliamentarian.

She told The Banner, “Being a part of the last class, to see that as a people we have come together, and we are not going to let the history of Webb High School go away. It was an important part of the community for many years. After integration, we were scattered, but a few people came together to protect the legacy. The intent now is to keep bringing in our children and grandchildren to continue the legacy, or it could all be lost. It’s a legacy that has to continue, and, with the people we have in positions now, I’m excited to see how it’s going to continue.”

Priscilla has one son and three granddaughters who reside in Nashville.