Lorene Michelle Smith

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to never stop questioning – Albert Einstein Lorene Michelle Smith, PA-C, Physician Assistant, 47, of Beaver, died Wednesday, April 13, 2016. She was the wife of the late, Thomas H. Smith. Born April 2, 1969 in Mullens, she was the daughter of Perry and Martha Whittaker, of Greenville, SC and Lula Whittaker, of Beckley, WV. Distant relatives, she personally adopted and greatly missed Russell and Elsie Williams of Pineville, commonly referring to them as Mommy and Daddy. “Michelle was a natural scholar. She evidenced maturity, responsibility, self-discipline and a genuine love for learning.” Graduating Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA) from the University of North Carolina with a B.A. degree in Political Science and Anthropology. She was one of 26 students to receive the Student Excellence Award, during the Universities 30th Annual Honors Convocation. Michelle continued her passion for education graduating from Mountain State University, with a degree as a Physician’s Assistant specializing in dermatology. Michelle worked full-time as a waitress to educate herself with dreams and aspirations of bettering herself and her family. Her interests included family, gardening, fishing, hunting, antiquing, entertaining, and fashion. She was a brilliant mind who explored life and found enjoyment in the simplest of activities. She was faithful and devoted to her Christian faith, giving thanks and praises to Jesus for all of her accomplishments. She is survived by her parents, her brothers; Jerry and Barbara Evans of Liberty, SC, Kenneth Whittaker of Crab Orchard, WV and Okey and Jaime Whittaker of Fairdale, WV. Those left to cherish her memory include several nieces and nephews she referred to as “My Kids”, adoptive sisters and numerous friends. Friends may gather with the family Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 5-7pm at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held 7pm, Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the funeral home with Pastor Phil Farrington officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Dr. Beckley, WV.