Hazel “Pete” Austin Smith, age 88, passed away on March 3, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Smith was born in Bertie County on February 8, 1929, a daughter of the late Foyd and Ester Parker Austin. “Pete” was a graduate of Aulander High School; a longtime, faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and worked as a secretary for Farm & Home Gas until her retirement. She was an avid gardener, and enjoyed growing both flowers and vegetables, especially collards. Miss “Pete loved riding her golf cart, telephone calls, and being an all-around good neighbor.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Lloyd Smith; a brother, Ted Austin, and a sister, Leona “Polly” Hoggard.
Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Lloyd Wayne Smith, and Larry Smith and wife, Crystal of Aulander, NC; two granddaughters, DeAnn Drew and husband, David of Ahoskie, NC, and Tayler Smith of San Francisco, CA; a grandson, Blake Smith of Athens, GA; two sisters, Ruth Garrett of Harrellsville, NC, and Jane Futrell and husband, Jimmy of Murfreesboro, NC; a brother, James Austin of Aulander, NC; and several nieces and nephews. She was a loving wife, mother, mema, sister, and neighbor, and will be missed by all.
The family will receive friends at any time at the home of Mrs. Smith.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017, at 2:00 pm at the Oak Grove Baptist Church, Aulander, NC, with Rev. Greg Hurdle, officiating. Burial will follow in Aulander Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial contributions be made directly to Vidant Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC, 27910 or you may donate online by clicking here or directly to the American Cancer Society, 930 B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC, 27834; or you may donate online by clicking here.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Smith family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
The Parker family sends their condolences. We have not seen Pete in many many years but I remember all the stories as a little girl when we would come to aulander. RIP Pete
Pete was always pleasant to be around. We missed her at Oak Grove. God bless her family with comfort and peace. RIP Collard Lady.
I didn’t know Mrs. smith, but I understand she was a dear sweet lady. I send my deepest sympathy to Crystal and Larry and all the other family members. May God comfort you.
I will miss all our talks on your back porch. You always had new stories about your squirrels and birds
This really hurts me!—–I will miss her dearly —–family you are in my prayers—-be encouraged
Larry and Wayne sorry to hear about you loss. Your Mom was very sweet!. Sending prayers for peace and comfort during this time. Shirley and Roy Williams.
So sorry to hear this. I enjoyed buying fresh vegetables from her, as well as our long conversations! Many prayers
I will miss you Aunt Pete! We love you
Miss Pete was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. I have really missed Miss Pete. We would walk out of Church at same time and we would joke about “old bad Mr. Arthur”[arthiritis] she would make me smile when I really didn’t feel like smiling. I hope I put a smile or two on her face also.