Elizabeth Allen Smith

Clara Elizabeth was born on October 19, 1916, the fourth of six children, to Joseph Edward Allen, Sr. and Annie Lee Allred in High Point, NC. She spent her childhood as mother’s little helper in their busy Greensboro home in which, from time to time, her parents took in as many as six cousins all of which she found to be quite delightful. Her best childhood friend was Kathleen Boren and it was the Boren Brick property where she learned to drive. The girls had many enjoyable sleepovers at the Boren’s home. It was Elizabeth who introduced Kathleen to the love of her life, Paul Martin. When she was in her senior year at Greensboro Senior High School, Elizabeth was voted the prettiest girl in her class. Her mom and dad saved up to buy a new dress for her presentation on stage at the high school.

Her work life included a first job with Diamond T Trucking Company, and administrative duties at Langley Air Force Base and with Southern Bell in Greensboro. She became a top notch switchboard operator along the way.

She married Isaac Hermon Smith of Liberty, NC in Fairfax, VA and brought their first born daughter into the world in 1944 during World War II. Mr. Smith joined Pitney-Bowes, Inc. following his tour of duty in the Navy and lived in Nashville and Knoxville, TN for a while, eventually settling in Raleigh, NC. A son followed in 1952. Elizabeth was a dedicated mother. In the words of her son, “She was the best mother a person could have.” Her tiny daughter never had to ride the school bus because her mom picked her up every day after school. Memories of parking the car at Bobby Murray’s Gulf Station and eating lunch at the S&W Cafeteria in downtown Raleigh followed by a movie at either the Ambassador or State Theatres are among their favorites. And how about the trips to Cape Cod and to Fort Lauderdale in Florida. She was the perfect travel companion! And, just days before her passing, wheeling through Belks at Triangle Town Center in a wheelchair given for her use by Mary Louise Stansbury’s daugher, Crissty, brought enthusiastic comments on how things had changed. What quality time! On Easter Sunday while beautifully radiant, she asked that we do just this... remember the good times and not “all this sickness”.

Elizabeth not only loved her immediate family but her extended family as well, including each and every one of her nieces and nephews. She was always interested in their interests and needs and offered her full support. She bonded closely with her two sisters and three brothers as they grew up and remained closely involved with them throughout her life. She especially enjoyed visiting her oldest sister and her husband on the farm in Sampson County even when there was no running water or bathroom!

Hermon and Elizabeth were members of Fairmont Methodist Church with regular attendance as long as their health would allow. Elizabeth enjoyed her Women’s Circle and took on several offices over the years including that of Treasurer. She especially enjoyed working in her yard and enjoyed planting flowers and shrubs, the love of which she passed along to her daughter. One of her favorite pastimes was visiting Mary Lee McMillan who featured her camellias in one of her weekly N&O newspaper gardening columns.

The last two years of Elizabeth’s life were spent in residence with her daughter and her husband and their two little poodles. Elizabeth enjoyed a cup of coffee in the morning, a scrambled egg with what she affectionately called “little pig” link sausage, fresh strawberries and raisin bread for breakfast. Mid afternoon she wanted a half sandwich of fresh deli cooked chicken and grapes with fruit drink. A little later in the afternoon she readied herself to go out to the K&W Cafeteria at Tower Shopping Center where she was a special fan of their baked chicken and Harvard beets. Egg custard pie was her favorite dessert. The family is especially grateful to management and staff of the K&W for their delicious food and kind and caring manner. Their customers are to be congratulated for their patience and their concern for this tiny lady. While in the Pearce residence, Elizabeth made a special friend of Betsy, the little five pound poodle. Betsy would run out to great her when she returned in the car from a trip to the doctor or out to dinner. When she was in her bedroom, Betsy could often be found sitting in her room alongside her. Even though the walker may have intimidated her, Betsy was very protective of Elizabeth.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Anant Soni, his Physician’s Assistant Dave Comer, and their nursing staff, especially her beloved Donna, for their expertise in helping Elizabeth manage her diabetes and the rigors of aging. Dr. Brian Go is to be recognized for his knowledge of her specific cardiovascular concerns and for his calm demeanor. We appreciate Dr. Sid Gulledge, III for the care of her failing eyesight. The beauty operators at the JC Penney Hair Salon and Lee Spa Nails enhanced her natural beauty. The excellent care of Dr. Craig Rosebrock and her nurses, especially Norwel Mendoza, in the Rex ICU during her last hours was simply outstanding. Compassion beyond compare. We especially thank close family members, Sylvia and Tommy O’Kelley, for their love, empathy, and support throughout her lifetime and during this difficult period of transition.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband and is survived by her daughter Barbara, and husband, David C. Pearce, Sr., and her son, Lawrence Michael, as well as a long list of nieces and nephews who would cheerfully gather for her yearly birthday celebration in October for food and fellowship.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, April 8, 2013 at Fairmont United Methodist Church, 3501 Clark Avenue, Raleigh 27607, with the Reverend Steve Hickle officiating. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Raleigh Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited for food and to share memories afterwards at the home of David and Barbara Pearce, 3507 Baugh Street, Raleigh 27604.

Elizabeth was an amazing woman, delightfully young for her age, and will be sorely missed by her loved ones.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared at www.brownwynne.com. Brown Wynne Funeral Home- St. Mary’s Street.