Benita Smith - Benita says she does not play a musical instrument, although her background is indeed musical. Thompson Talbert was her father and was quite well known as a musician and a luthier. Benita is a regular attendee at the Smyth County Jam. She has been retired from the teaching business for nineteen years. She taught one year at Rich Valley and the rest of her career was spent at Saltville High School. Benita directed Larry (Hogston) in plays at the Salt Kettle Theater; in addition to writing plays. Currently, she is writing a book about some of the people of Poor Valley. It is titled "COUNTRY LIVING". We await the publication eagerly. Benita makes her home in the Pleasant Heights area of Smyth County. She states she likes almost all types of music.
