Lois Loraine (Willis) Smith

Lois Loraine Willis Smith, 91, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, surrounded by her loving family, on the morning of Monday, May 13th, 2024.

She was born on August 3rd, 1932, in Robeson County to Gertrude and William Willis. Having lost her mother at a young age, Lois was welcomed into the family of Maggie and Van Long. She married Canady Americus Smith in 1952, celebrating 44 years of marriage before he passed away.

No stranger to hard work, Lois spent long days farming blueberries and tobacco, labored for many years at the Garland shirt factory, and toiled tirelessly canning her garden’s produce to feed her family and others. A true caretaker, she selflessly served as a mother to many children and adults in the community who were in need of her unconditional love. A member of Beards Chapel Baptist Church, Lois was a woman of faith who loved the Lord, her church, and especially her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Elizabeth Scott and Geraldine Davis; brothers, William Turner and Thomas Willis; stepchildren Canady Americus Smith, Jr. and Larry Smith.

Lois leaves behind a strong legacy of love and family. She is survived by her children Thomas Smith (Nancy), Cornelia Johnson (Mitch), Gene Smith, and Charles Smith (Tonya); stepchildren Madalene Melvin, Evelene Hicks, Herman Smith (Flossie), Rabon Smith, and Dwight Smith (Faye); grandchildren Candy Smith, Curtis Smith, Julie Beth Smith (Joseph), Jena Boone (David), Amanda Jernigan (Kyle), and Allison Darrow (Matthew); great grandchildren Maggie Smith, Constance Smith, Trent Smith, Abby Jernigan, Beckett Boone, Lilah Darrow, A.J. Jernigan, Shayleigh Jernigan, Harper Boone, Colt Darrow, Davian Jernigan, and Sutton Rufty; great great grandchildren Brielle and Ayla Carr; special step grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She will be honored and remembered endearingly as a mother, stepmother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, and “Aunt” to those who loved her.

The family would especially like to thank Lisa Long, Lois' longtime caretaker and friend.

Funeral services will be held at Beards Chapel Baptist Church on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, at 2:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Ralph Carter Jr. Burial will follow the service at Smith Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral from 1-2 pm.

Service by Carter Funeral Home in Garland