Lenore Phillips Smith

Lenore Phillips Smith, 96, of Wilson, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Funeral, Thursday, 2:00 PM, at First Christian Church.  Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery.  The visitation will be at the church one hour before the service.

She was born on February 12, 1928 in Grifton, NC to John Robert and Rubelle Abbott Phillips.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years Ernest E. Smith; brothers, Dave Phillips, Joe Phillips, and Derring Phillips; sister, Jean Mertz; step-grandson, Bryan Tharrington.

She graduated from Contentnea High School in Grifton and enrolled at Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) in 1945 where she met her husband who had returned from service in WWII. They were married in December 1948. She graduated from college in the spring of 1949 and briefly taught English at Rock Ridge High School in Sims. She joined First Christian Church in Wilson in 1950 and remained a faithful member until her death.

Lenore was an avid reader and collector of books of many subjects. She compiled many notebooks of the short stories, poems and memories she had written. She wrote numerous letters to the editor of the Wilson Times. She authored a paperback book of her childhood years titled “Tick Bite” about a small community on the outskirts of Grifton. She enjoyed painting, researching genealogies of the Phillips’ and Smith families, solving crossword puzzles, hosting family birthday parties and holiday get-togethers.

She is survived by her daughters, Joanna Carraway of Wilson, Gail Tharrington (Steve) of Rocky Mount, and Lucinda Pollock (Tony) of Wilson; son, Ernie Smith of the home; grandchildren, Kevin Carraway (Vivian), Courtney Carraway, Brian Pollock (Leigh Ann), Sion Smith (Erin), and Seth Smith; great-grandchildren, Brenda Ramirez, Mayra Ramirez, Wendy Andras (Tim), Addilyn Pollock, and Alana Robbins; great-great-granddaughter, Sophia Andras; sister, Barbara Beeson of Hickory; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Phillips of Grifton and Nonie Phillips of Wilson and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to caregivers, Jackie, Bobbie, Karen, Betty, and Rhonda as well as to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Christian Church, PO Box 2702, Wilson, NC 27894.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com